Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Rinne.
Hi Cindy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I began as a watercolor artist. Then went into acrylics. Some painting friends invited me to quilt guild meetings. I attended for three years and did not quilt. My work at the time involved a mix of paintings and photographs on fabric made into collages on wood. I was having my photographs transferred onto fabrics at a quilt shop. The owner said, “These will make beautiful quilts.” I drove away thinking, “I don’t quilt.” The idea stuck. I tried a simple method of quilting. There weren’t books on art quilting at that time. I knew how to sew. A quilt circle taught me the techniques. I created art quilts from the start. I went to my galleries and explained that I had changed art forms. It took a lot of educating. Fiber art wasn’t as prevalent 40 years ago.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I began exhibiting fiber art, I made an effort to exhibit in group shows along with paintings, photographs, etc. so people would see the work as fine art. There is still the discussion of art vs. craft. Sometimes I get told I have a nice hobby.
Art quilters started stretching their work on canvas and framing it to make it look like a painting. I have framed a few pieces, but mostly they hang like tapestries.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a storyteller. I love myth. I create worlds with a surrealistic approach. I am a colorist and am strong in design. Nature, goddesses, animal guides, Earth Mother, the cosmos, maps, boats, enso circles, and more connect my vision. I use fabrics from around the world and fabrics others give me to create a layers of memories and a unity / honoring of all people.
Besides wall pieces, I create costume sculptures. This is a consideration of the body. I wear some of them for poetry performance.
I am a poet. Sometimes the words are in the artworks. My newest works are inspired by my poems. I like to do poetry readings or performance poetry as part of my exhibits. This brings a transcendence to the art.
I am proud that my art was part of “Woven Stories” at the Lancaster Museum of Art & History (MOAH). I arranged an event where the community read poems and I did performance poetry with Bory Thach. Bory and I wore costumes I made and performed poems from our book, “Letters Under Rock” in front of my large tapestry.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I discovered I have many introverted friends who didn’t mind being at home as much as I did! I appreciated that the art world adapted quickly so I could be a part of online shows which gave me somewhere to share my work. Museums zoomed talks and that was great.
My philosophy was to keep creating and to be ready when the world reopened. There was so much I couldn’t control, but I could make art. My style changed somewhat. I hung up the new work and could sense a conversation as it was all at home and not at shows.
I prepared for a solo show. It got hung and California shut down again. So, I spoke online about the exhibit.
I appreciate being able to attend in-person events and see exhibitions more than before.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fiberverse.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiberverse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cindy.rinne.5/
Image Credits
AE Van Fleet
