Ceramic artist and Art 4 Shelter committee member Cindy Syme has been creating pottery for 30 years. She recalls early memories of handbuilding as a child and her transition to working on the wheel. Cindy and her family have a shared talent for the fine arts: Her grandmother was a sculptor, and her mother, sister, and brother are also artists .
Cindy “got serious” with her art five years ago, purchasing her own kiln. Her careers as a chef and a food stylist have influenced her artwork: “My professional background in cooking led me toward more functional art focused on food presentation and food sharing,” she says.
Cindy’s beautiful hand-thrown ceramics and pottery are inspired by nature with botanical patterns and warm, earth-toned colors. She discovers natural themes and images as she enjoys time outdoors. She is an avid gardener and also enjoys hiking, travel, and taking photographs of natural beauty. “I enjoy making vases, bringing wildflowers in from my garden, and bringing nature indoors” she says.
As a contributing artist to Art 4 Shelter for the past four years, Cindy is thrilled to join the fundraiser’s planning committee this year. “It’s wonderful to collaborate with this group that supports such a great organization, and I love the concept of the event,” she says. “Professional and amateur artists contribute their art. Guests in Simpson’s programs are invited to participate. Everyone contributes to the success.”
Since retiring in 2020, Cindy enjoys spending more time in her art studio. She shows her artwork at the Grand Hand Gallery and Boreal in St. Paul.
Cindy lives in St. Paul, Minnesota where she was born and raised.
View Cindy’s hand-thrown ceramics at www.symepottery.com.