Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cindy Walton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cindy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
I have been making art since childhood. Art and making has always been part of my life whether it was sewing with my Grandmother, drawing on my own or painting with my mother. It was not until college I thought I might be able to pursue this as a career. Unfortunately, certain events at that time changed my course of becoming an artist on a professional level. Looking back now I realize I did not have the confidence in my skills to even call myself an “artist”. I continued with creative pursuits but in a private, personal way. About 15 years after my first time through college I had a small voice inside of telling me I needed to paint and create at a higher level.
So, in my late 30’s I went back to art school which gave me the broader knowledge of painting and developing my own language as an artist. After eight years of classes and raising a family I began my adventure as a professional artist.
Cindy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Making art is what I have done most of my life. I have had the desire to make things since childhood. I chose fine art painting / oil painting as my medium because there is something wonderful about pushing paint around. It is satisfying and to create a painting that communicates to others is a wonderful feeling. I began my career as an artist in my late 30’s when I went back to art school. My work has evolved over the years and presently I am recognized for abstract paintings.
As an artist I am searching for a deeper level of expression of the world around me through writings and bold marks that travel in and out of the layers of oil paint and wax. My intent is to capture action, energy, emotion or quiet musings of our environment. I am looking at a hidden world that can’t be seen on the surface.
My clients have a sense of peace or joy when they view my work. They enjoy the visual break my paintings bring to the blank walls in their home or office. With some of my interior design experience I have been able to help my clients select the right painting for their space. I also paint commissions for special areas when I do not have a painting available in inventory.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The simple answer is buy more art. The more complex answer takes more time and involves multiple stakeholders. Most artists in my experience are trained professionals, either through formal training or by years of training on their own. Creatives need places to create that are affordable and for their communities to support them. It often happens that artists move into areas that are affordable (abandoned warehouses and factories, high crime, etc.). The area begins to flourish and develop a positive reputation for art buyers. Real estate investors see the potential to develop the area, there is increased development for multi-use functions (apartments, hotels, restaurants, retail, etc.), rents increase, and the creatives begin to be pushed out. This type of gentrification is happening in our area but the artists, property owners, and city leaders have been working together to develop the area we call the River Arts District in Asheville, NC. This coming together of artists and other professionals within our city has encouraged others to support the arts. The area is seen as a real part of the economic growth of the community and compliments the reputation of the area as a tourist destination.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being a professional artist is being able to use all my skills and knowledge I have cultivated over the years to produce art and teach. It gives me great pleasure to produce art that communicates my thoughts and ideas with others. It is really the best way I communicate with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cindywalton.com
- Instagram: @cindywaltonfineart
- Facebook: cindywaltonfineart
Image Credits
Dennis Ray, Julieta Fumberg