The Truth In This Art: Stories That Matter Exploring Artistry and Folklore with Cindy Cheng: Insights from a Baltimore Sculptor
It's time to explore creativity on 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, where Rob Lee takes the lead on this meaningful conversation with Cindy Cheng, a Baltimore-based fine artist, sculptor, and educator, who brings a dynamic blend of creativity and recognition to her work. With a background steeped in puzzle-solving and an affinity for friends' collections, Cindy has garnered residencies at prestigious institutions like the Vermont Studio Center and the Anderson Ranch Artist Residency. Her artistic prowess has been acknowledged through prestigious accolades including the 2018 Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters & Sculptors Grant and the 2017 Sondheim Artscape Award. Cindy's distinctive artistry has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions across venues such as School 33 Art Center, Fjord Gallery, Ditch Projects, St Charles Projects, and 'Sindikit Project, often collaboratively with Cheeny Celebrado-Royer. Having earned her BA from Mount Holyoke College, Cindy further honed her craft through a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate from MICA and an MFA from MICA's Mount Royal School of Art. Additionally, she imparts her artistic wisdom as an educator at MICA, enriching the Drawing Department with her expertise. With a penchant for exploring unconventional materials in her sculptures and delving into strange imagery and folklore, Cindy Cheng's artistic journey is an enchanting exploration of the unconventional.
In this episode, we delve into:
- How Cindy Cheng's artistic journey began in college and how a supportive instructor played a pivotal role in shaping her decision to pursue a career in the arts.
- Dive into the vibrant art scene of Baltimore, uncovering its welcoming and resource-rich community that provides a nurturing environment for artists like Cindy Cheng.
- Delve into the impact of winning the prestigious Sondheim Award on Cindy Cheng's artistic journey, discussing how the recognition boosted her morale and provided vital financial support to further her art practice.
- Uncover the significance of creative problem-solving as an essential skill for artists and explore the importance of taking breaks to prevent burnout, drawing insights from Cindy Cheng's experiences.
- Delve into Cindy Cheng's artistic influences as she shares how her fascination with folklore and the occult catalyze her creative process and shape her captivating artwork.
Get ready for a mind-blowing episode as Cindy Cheng shares her journey into the arts and her experiences in the Baltimore art scene. She discusses how she discovered her passion for art in college and the role her supportive instructors played in her artistic development. Cindy also talks about her decision to pursue a postbaccalaureate program at MICA and how it led her to expand her practice and explore new mediums. She highlights the importance of community and the accessibility of resources in Baltimore, which have contributed to her growth as an artist. Cindy also discusses the impact of winning the Sondheim Award and how it provided financial support and boosted her morale. She shares her thoughts on creative problem-solving and the importance of taking breaks to prevent burnout. Cindy concludes by expressing her love for folklore and the occult, which often inspires her work.
Mentioned in this episode
Cindy Cheng's website
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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:
- Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
- Edited by Daniel Alexis
- Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor
Photos:
- Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
- Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.
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