Cynthia Wylie

Artist's Statement

ICONS AND FLOWERS

When painting, I strive to convey a modern sensibility within a traditional context. I am inspired by iconic painting from medieval times. The tiles surrounding my paintings portray a cartoonish representation of plant life.

Plants indeed have the power to save our earth. In addition to my canvases, I paint six inch square flower, plant and bird icons on plywood. We can carry them into battle against the polluters of the world. They will be our protection as icons of saints provided protection for holy warriors in the past. These I paint in the method of the great masters from that era, as layers upon layers in between umber varnish.

I love palms because the leaves are wide and animated, a good canvas for which to apply flat planes of color. By tracing digital images of my plants, flowers and tiles, I create graphic patterns. I feel I have been able to connect the two in a way that can be traversed without check.

My work is hand painted and imperfect, reflecting my own life. Yet, the organized, repetitive rows and columns of images offers a comforting order that I seek. In my process, there is an intersection of fine art, graphic art and decorative art into one vibrating point pure and without undulation. Indeed, by creating art, I am proven for that precise moment worthy and triumphant in my battle.