Q&A with Local Artist, Cyndi Schick
Local artist, Cyndi Schick, is best known for her coastal and oversized pieces. A mixed-media artist, Schick, has even incorporated sand from the source of her inspiration into pieces. Learn more about Cyndi and her coastal cool pieces below!
Tell us about yourself:
I am a mixed media artist who's main focus is coastal: water/architecture/impressionistic of beaches.
Tell us how you got started in art?
I first got started in watercolor painting. My first subject matter was flowers. I used to live next to a huge, beautiful Iris Garden.
How would you describe your art?
I have a "Go bold or go home" attitude about my artwork. I like big! My work finds its way into big spaces: entryway, powder room, dining room, master bedroom, and stairway landings. The two words that I would use are: textured and layered. I like to paint with acrylic, oil, paper, and sand.
What inspires you?
I find so much inspiration from nature, especially the beach and water! Architecture is another field I regularly draw inspiration from, specifically, historic homes, beach houses, and lifeguard stands.
Which artists inspire you?
I studied studio art and art history while living in Paris, France. So I am sort of in love with all things French!! Henri Matisse inspires me. I love his use of color, pattern, composition, and how he only painted part of what he saw.
What do you love about working in the Charleston Art Community?
The Charleston art community is vibrant. There are so many wonderful gallery opening parties, First Friday nights, art strolls, mom and pop galleries, talented artists, and a range of art 365, plus Spoleto which attracts international recognition.
How does Charleston inspire you?
I have been in love with Charleston my whole life!! If I am ever feeling uninspired, all I need to do is take a walk downtown. The architecture, colors, palm trees, and the vibe is just bursting with historic preservation. the hustle and bustle of restaurants and people enjoying life is contagious.
What is your current favorite piece that you have done?
Sunday Beach Houses. I take walks on IOP every Sunday. I notice how the waves lap at the sand. I try to remember how the sand looks in all its stages wet, to textured, to dry as the tide goes out. This painting is a view of Sullivan's Island from IOP. It's water and then sand, and water, and then sand, and then coastal houses. I even used real sand from Isle of Palms. Love the texture and colors. It reminds me a "calm". But I hope it reminds the viewer of whatever the beach means to them: a family vacation, summer, kids playing in the sand, childhood, freedom, fun...everyone has their own "feelings" of the beach.
What is the most difficult part about being an artist?
As an artist, I am a small business. I am a one-person business and the single hardest part of that is getting exposure.
What is the best part about being an artist?
Making my customers happy. I have loyal customers that have purchased a dozen paintings over 20 years. And the nice things they say to me makes my heart sing. I get hand-written cards, thanking me!! They use words like joy, love, obsessed, & happy to describe what my art does for them.
Why do you love working with Affordable Art of Charleston?
I love Affordable Art of Charleston because Carol Williams is a sweet-heart. She treats her clients professionally and has a loyal following of designers and art lovers who think of her first for art. The people that work in the custom-frame shop are lovely. The party-goers at her art events are a fun-loving, upscale, and artsy bunch.