Biography and Philosophy
Ever since I was a small child I have worked in art. Over the years, I have studied colour theory and composition in different media: drawing with pencil and pastels; painting in oils and acrylics, printmaking, and sculpture, pottery and jewelry. I earned a BFA from California College of Arts and Crafts, and an MA from San Jose State University, both degrees in Metal Arts and Jewelry Design.
I worked in the jewelry industry as a goldsmith, master model maker and in design research and development from 1979 to 1992. I have been creating bronze sculpture since 1992, which allowed me to create larger three dimensional pieces.
My sculptures reflect the spiritual, emotional and physical connection of humans and nature through metamorphic imagery. Bringing the strength of human and animals together for mutual benefit as well as the magical strength of the Mythical Shape-shifters of ancient times. The sculptures also convey a reminder that we are all on this little rock spinning in space together.
The mixed media paintings and masks pieces are a series of reflections of common human expressions, experiences and emotions. We need to feel, laugh and contemplate our humanness more often! We all have those inner voices, the committee we like to ignore. I find sharing them to be the best way to interact with the world on a level that has humor and honesty.
The imagery in the pastels is the dream of the mind’s eye, the visual dessert that feeds the soul. We each experience what we see through our “self”. The circle of wholeness is the format and containment that I work within. The red root colour, the solar gold, the blues of voice, to name a few, all come and go in the drawings revealing the journey within the media.
So, Feast your eyes and spirits, and breathe. Enjoy.
Check here for information:cynthiathomasdesigns.com or ctmandelas.com