Interview with Artist: Cindy Rinne
by Galina Kovshilovsky
Why do you do what you do?
I fell in love with the stitch and with words. A passion where I can make and share. I love creating art and poetry from “scraps” as homages to people, nature, and ceremonies I can tell stories. People discover meaning in the layers of my art and writing. My abstractions give me freedom for endless combinations. I can move in spontaneity from many experiences.
What’s is your background?
I’ve made art since I can remember. I began as a watercolorist and taught that for several years. Then moved into acrylics. I hadn’t planned on getting into fiber art, but friends introduced me to quilting. I was hooked. A stitching circle helped me with the techniques to create my art pieces. When I began, there weren’t many books, etc. about art quilting so I made it up as I went along. I still do that in some sense!
What art do you most identify with?
Asian art was my early influence and I still am inspired by it. I like the pattern and design movement. Some artists who have inspired: Elizabeth Murray, Agnes Martin, Helen Frankenthaler, and Robert Rauschenberg. When I was about to embark on being a fiber artist instead of a painter, I saw Rauschenberg had created works with textiles from his global travels and that was good enough for me.
What work do you most enjoying doing?
I like combining with fabrics from around the world. Also, from pieces given to me as a part of family histories. Each artwork contains community. It’s fascinating to see an artwork come together in the design and then to give it dimension in the stitching. I also draw with my sewing machine and do some hand embroidery and beading for texture and dimension.
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
Going to the Gulf of Mexico to collect sand dollars with my toes.
Can you describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
My great-uncle was the only one in my family who did art. When I was a child, I would visit him out of town and watch him do paintings on an easel. Many years later, I discovered he was doing paint-by-number!
Why art?
It goes beyond my imagination. I enjoy it when others connect and bring their stories to the work. Art invites conversation and creates community.
What is artistic outlook on life?
Awareness and discovery.I’m always learning something new. Seeing and problem-solving are a part of the process which brings flexibility.
What makes you angry?
When the arts aren’t supported by governments and communities.
What is your dream project?
To take my art, poetry, and art costumes to exhibit and perform in other countries as collaborations.
What is your favorite or the most inspiration place in the world?
Asia – I lived in Taiwan and visited Hong Kong several years ago. I would like to visit other Asian countries.
What is your goal?
Keep making art and writing forever. Balance studio time and arts in the community. To support the next generation of artists and writers. They are amazing.