Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Warden.
Cynthia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My passion was always drawing, painting and creating. Art and design have always been a passion and mainstay in my life. Growing up in Seattle Washington, I graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Speech Communications. After graduation from college I started Cynthia Warden Designs and began my career as a successful accessory designer. Over the years CWD became well known for unique and innovative fashion designs with major retailers including Nordstrom, Macy’s and more than 500 boutiques and chain stores throughout the US, UK and Japan. Many of the accessories have been featured in film, television and commercials.
In 2000, I moved to Los Angeles where I began working as an entertainment publicist. My creative spirit was enriched and inspired by working with world renown artists including Marine Artist Wyland, and Kenyan artist and animal activist Anthony Russell, film directors, actors, and producers but I missed my own creative endeavors.
Self-taught, I began my art career in late 2013 with a collection of 30 watercolor portraits. I was amazed at the joy and bliss I felt while creating the portraits. I feel it was then I realized my true calling to be an artist dedicated to the craft. I was presented an opportunity to showcase my work in West Hollywood, CA leading to sales of some my pieces. In September 2016, four of my watercolor portraits were chosen by the director to be included in a feature film in Los Angeles. My work can be seen in private homes and corporate offices in the US. My art reflects my creative spirit and unique imagination and passion. After moving to Los Angeles, I was fortunate to meet Martine Colette Founder of the Wildlife Waystation, an exotic animal rescue and sanctuary…
While visiting the sanctuary, I was able to get up close and personal to a Tiger named Drifter. He was rescued as youngster by the DEA from a storage unit chained to a crate of drugs. He recently passed away at 20 years old living out his life protected and safe. I also loved interacting with a baby chimp named ShaSha. Being able to see these animals and get to know them on a personal level, they were my inspiration for the ongoing Xtinction Series of oil paintings of Endangered Species.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As an emerging artist there are always challenges and things to be done on a PR and marketing front. As much as creating the art is important I have found finding the time to balance between creating the art and marketing to be the most challenging. However, I must say this is the best time in the world to be an artist! With social media and online sales platforms artists can own their own publishing, licensing and gain the recognition, exposure, feedback and sales. Before the social media boom, the only way an artist could market their work was dependent on acceptance into galleries. Although connection to galleries is always critically important for an artist now through social media there are alternative ways to share your work and take charge of your future and grow your brand.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cynthia Warden Art – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
It is said the “Eyes are the windows to the Soul” and my paintings are known to reflect that sentiment. Each painting whether human or animal captures the soul of the subject through their eyes. Some have commented that my paintings convey a confrontational aspect, and that is the point. It is my desire to have the painting and the observer connect, see and feel the emotion and spirit of the subject. I always start with the eyes as the subject seems to come alive and communicates with me. I never know who or what emotion or message will come from the subject but that is the exciting part of the process and the underlining force of my work. I am always excited to see what they will communicate through me and with their eyes as they can express so much. I work with watercolor and recently have concentrated painting in oil on flat canvas.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
As an artist and animal advocate, I plan to continue my efforts through art to raise awareness and funds to support those organizations saving these animals from extinction.
Animals around the world are becoming more endangered every day due to poaching, deforestation and loss of habitat. It is my hope to bring attention the devastating reality that these animals are facing with many on the brink of extinction. It is my mission through art and this series to raise awareness, funds, and improve the laws to protect our wildlife throughout the world. Stricter legislation is needed now to ban the endangered animal trade and stop the poaching. As a species becomes endangered they will be added to the ongoing Xtinction Series. To date the Xtinction Series features endangered species including the Tiger, Leopard, Orangutans, Gorilla, Lion, Chimpanzee, Snow Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Cheetah, Zebra and Giraffe. Currently I am adding more animals to the series over the next few months. A 2018 Calendar will be available in September with a portion of the sale of the Limited Edition Prints and Calendars to be donated to support the Wyland Foundation efforts for education and conservation.
Pricing:
- Xtinction Series Limited Edition Prints start at $120 Calendar Prices TBD and are be available at www.cynthiawardenart.com
- Watercolor Originals Framed prices start at $1500 Limited Edition Prints from $120 www.cynthiawardenart.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 8964 Vista Grande Street,
West Hollywood, CA 90069 - Website: http://www.cynthiawardenart.com
- Phone: 3102718409
- Email: cynthia@cynthiawardenart.com
- Instagram: @cynthiawarden
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cynthiawardenart
- Twitter: @cynthiawarden
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
