Artist Profile: Cindy Cooksey

Cindy Cooksey
Irvine, California

1. What kind of challenges did this theme present to you? The theme seemed more complex than previous challenges, and I wasn't certain that I was on the right track. Also, it was a challenge to have confidence in my inner vision of what the finished piece would look like, which I could see but others could not.

2. Describe your studio space? I've had a dedicated art studio ever since we moved into this house in the mid-eighties. It is a light, airy room in the center of the house, and I am grateful to have it. It's where I store supplies, plan, cut fabric, and sew on my machine. All my handwork such as embroidery and embellishment is done downstairs in the family room.

3. Where can people see your work in the next six months? Currently at the Sacred Threads exhibition, in the "Your Brightest Life" tribute to Yvonne Porcella. A couple of other appearances in exhibits are pending but are not firm enough to mention at this time.

4. Do you ever work in a series?  If so, what benefits or challenges does this present to you as an artist? I have worked in after-the-fact series: with tortoise, hexagons, people, quirky landscapes, etc.  But I haven't really planned ahead to work in a series. Still, it is interesting to compare the quilts and think about whether I should do more of them. 

5. What other activities do you engage in that “feed” your creative energy? This year I have been volunteering at a local senior center, leading a craft group. People bring their own projects - anything from sewing clothing to knitting, crochet, quilting, needlepoint, etc. I have brought most of these activities myself to the group. People are there because they all love to make things with fiber. Another activity that energizes me creatively is daily walking. I often ponder creative questions as I walk, and often come up with answers.