Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cindi Yaklich. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cindi , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

If I can somehow make a statement with objects I feel like I have hit a high note that takes me beyond just a painting. This is really hard to do with “things” My most meaningful project came about during Covid and the Black Lives Matter time period. I felt isolated and depressed about what was happening in our world and I wondered how I could create a statement with still-life paintings that meant something. I began thinking of equality and where exactly we are in becoming a nation and a world with true equality. I felt that some strides had been taken but it obviously was nowhere close to where it should be. I then thought of eggs and my Eg-quality series was born. It is a series of three paintings, the first painting shows a brown egg just barely in the frame of the picture, and on the other side is a white egg positioned upright on a cup overturned (the white egg is high in its castle on its throne). The second image shows the brown egg moving closer to the cup and the white egg is off the cup but still living in the castle and excluding others. A bit where we may be at this moment in history – though I’m not sure. In the final image, the cup is turned over to represent fullness and bounty and inclusion, the two eggs are leaning together in front of the cup with an acorn placed to show strength.

Cindi , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a 21st-century realist artist focused on the art of objects. Using traditional oil paints on extra-fine Belgium linen canvas, I have a strong intention with each painting. Whether it’s the movement of light across the page, telling a historical story, or commenting on a social statement. I love to gather objects that reflect my intention for the painting. That can range from exploring a white-on-white concept to things that tell a story. I don’t think I come at it as much from a subject to depict as an intention I want to tell. And at times, I love to stray and paint an animal, car, or landscape. I find art so rich and full of ideas and intentions. There is never enough time!

Sometimes I seem to have a million ideas going on in my head and can have difficulty deciding what I’d like to paint. I do become significantly influenced by what I’m around and what I’m feeling at the moment. When I do finally settle down on a broad concept, I start by gathering the objects and working on the arrangement. The actual set-up can often take hours of ‘fussing.’ Many times, I do quick studies to work out composition and color issues to make sure I want to spend the time on this image. After toning the canvas,(putting a wash on the canvas to help eliminate a white canvas.) I sketch the idea on the canvas. And then I paint.

I have been fortunate to learn from some fantastic artists. I studied with Rey Ford and Jake Gaedtke; workshops with Zoey Frank, Robin Cole, Kelli Folsom, Lyn Boyer, Jane Hunt, Yana Beylinson, and Schissler Academy. Plus several online videos. I love to learn and feel that is one of the most incredible treats of painting. You can ALWAYS learn and improve. Currently, I’m trying to develop my life drawing and painting skills. I also want to continue with interiors. I tend to love “objects.” Even when I’m outside attempting a plein air painting – I want a thing in it, i.e., a house, a tractor, a horse.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

This is a question I ponder all the time. Sometimes I’m like what the hell am I doing and other times I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be doing this. The one thing I do know is I need to paint and create. I paint almost every day and when I don’t something feels off. I honestly don’t know the why. I have a note on my easel that says “I will never get there. So I will enjoy my journey.”

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

I do love it when I see the joy in someone’s face when they purchase a painting, or someone says they look at the painting every day and it brings such happiness. One of the major joys I have had is at shows/art fairs when little kids come up in awe and love to look. I remember I gave a little girl one of my pieces of ‘bin’ work at a show and she said, oh I will look at this every day and just be so happy.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vivifineart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivifineart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivifineart/

Image Credits
Not applicable