We were lucky to catch up with Cynthia Cassillis Chalmers recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cynthia Cassillis, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I have always been happy in a creative space, immersing myself into learning or teaching, some type of art expression. It was in 2008, when the opportunity to take yoga teacher training presented itself, and having done yoga, and particularly yoga therapy on myself, I couldn’t pass on the deal. Then, having successfully completed that certification, my amazing friend Kat, said I should learn reiki. My response was “I should learn what now?” But, trusting Kat’s instinct implicitly, I went about finding the best route to learning for me. As a result, I received a Bachelor’s in Holistic Health and a Reiki Master III certification. In taking the courses, I learned I had been doing reiki on others since I was 12. Of course, as a 12 year old if anyone told me this, I likely would have politely responded “Okiedoke, don’t have a clue but okay.” I have taught yoga to many in 3 different U.S states. I have done reiki on all ages in all parts of the world. The impact on myself in learning about myself through reiki, chakra clearing, and meditation, brought me back to the idea of doing what I have loved all my life…..art.
Now I have found mixed media art again, delved into digital collage (which to me is another form of meditation), and embraced the letting go and just having fun with colours and textures.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Colours and textures are exciting to me. Finding objects to upcycle into art pieces is fun and really allows my imagination to flourish. It was a little intimidating returning, after many years, to artisan festivals. However, my first one, in Washington state, brought such validating responses from attendees. To have someone see my table of art pieces and immediately quicken their pace towards it with a huge smile, is so enjoyable. When someone gets excited over seeing something I’ve created, it bolsters my confidence and self-esteem.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

You know, when sharing what I do, I’ve had people say they aren’t creative or artistic. My response is that creativity is not just exclusive to art. Art itself encompasses so many facets: physical, emotional, visual, etc. Someone who can effectively create graphs, or scientific formulas, just as a couple examples, is a creative in their own right. What brings me energy and exuberance, is how everyone contributes their own unique talents. That to me, is true serendipity. Embracing diversity and learning with each other..

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The ability to allow myself permission to create, to immerse myself into all that is available to create what makes me happy. To see others react positively, joyfully, to what I’ve created is so exciting. It’s like they have shared the process with me and truly understand and feel all that has been put into the making. My belief is that we have to enjoy the process ourselves, and that satisfaction, that positive energy, is woven into every piece of art we have created.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @cassilliscreates
• Facebook: facebook.com/cassilliscreates
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cindycassillis
• Other: Etsy: etsy.com/shop/cassilliscreates

Image Credits
@cassilliscreates