How do you find inspiration?
Cindy Harris: Nothing inspires my work quite like travel. Something happens when I’m in a new place: My heart bursts with anticipation, my eyes open wider, and my brushes flow more freely.
Most recently, I stood on the shore overlooking the crystal clear, aqua blue water of Lake Tahoe with close to 1,000 other artists from around the world at PACE. Just weeks before, I sat on a bench on the coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia, sheltered from the rain as I painted the harbor jutting into the Adriatic Sea. Last July, I walked the same ground as my ancestors on a painting pilgrimage in Wexford, Ireland.
Each time I step out of my day-to-day and into a new place, I remember what it is to live boldly, to lead with curiosity, and to see through others’ eyes. I return home inspired, connected, and full of a deeper understanding of color and light.
Not only do my paintings reflect what I’ve seen, learned, and can now more fully appreciate—I’m also able to bring those breakthroughs to my students each week, as I pay forward the gift of mentorship that’s been given so generously to me.
To see more of Cindy’s work, visit:
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