The batiks depict untamed Florida landscapes including the fauna that live around us, yet often remain hidden from view. Cindy’s new focus was inspired by fleeting glimpses, and sounds of animal and bird calls she encounters. These batiks are composed of multiple images and details of nature as references. In some batiks she has partially hidden the fauna, in others, she playfully places birds and creatures into altered scenes that might be considered wilderness still lifes.

The show includes collaboration with a talented poet, Antionette Libro. Often inspired by each other's work, artist and poet bring images and poetry together for display during the month-long show.

Cindy’s batiks are known for the high level of detail and painterly quality she is able to express with the medium. A long background in drawing has guided her work.  Cindy uses a tjanting tool from Indonesia to apply hot wax much in the same way as an artist uses a quill to lay down ink. Layer by layer the liquid wax seals the color she wants to preserve before the next dye is applied. Her process of building colors directly on the fabric is unique and creates the depth of color seen in her batiks. “Balancing the technical process while keeping a feel of spontaneity is my overall focus as I work on a piece” Cindy explains.

Cindy graduated with a degree in Graphic Design from the University of North Florida. After a 30-year career as an award-winning graphic artist and owner of a full-service design firm, she retired in Dec. 2013. She initially learned batik from a workshop with Wendy Tatter in St. Augustine and was so charmed by the technique she began to explore batik on her own. Cindy now works most days in her studio, experimenting with wax and dyes.

Cindy’s work has caught the attention of both jurists and collectors. She has been included in numerous regional shows and her batiks grace the homes of many collectors around the country. She teaches her technique in classes at The Bascom Center for the Arts in Highlands NC, as well as locally.

On Friday, March 3, at 6:00 PM, Cindy will present an artist talk explaining her process, and experiences in creating her new series, Fauna in the Flora.

A hands-on demonstration of batik and the dying process will be presented Saturday, March 19th at 2:00 PM, at Butterfield Gallery.