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Artist Statement
My paintings explore connections. Connections to nature, to others, to time as well as disruption in connection. I like to have a sense of mystery in the image that encourages the viewer to think about what is going on and to question the relationship between the figures and/or the environment. I have a background in the theater, so the images often have a sense of drama and possible disconcerting atmosphere. In my figurative work, the audience should wonder what the characters are thinking about.
Gesture and movement are important in my paintings. I approach painting by thinking about planes of color, layering in linework, and thinking about the auric nature of edges as well as the visual weight across the picture plane. I often see anthropomorphic moments in nature and try to bring these out in my work. I draw from the environment that I have experienced and that has a resonance for me, including the mangroves and banyans of Florida and the woods of Maryland.
My approach to painting derives from the tradition of Cezanne, with planes of color, like that of Fairfield Porter. However, I layer in linear work that emphasizes gesture as well as the auric glow around objects to enhance their power, as well as to balance color and weight in the composition. I am influenced by the intimate moments of artists like Lois Dodd, and the supernatural and spiritual content of artists like Leonora Carrington and Amy Cutler.
BIO
Cindy Rivarde was born in Toledo, Ohio and lives in Columbia, Maryland. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received a B.A. in art and dramatic art in 1988 and received the Paul and Elizabeth Green Award for women in theater. She also received her M.F.A. in painting from Towson University in 2004. In her early career, she was a scenic artist at Hartford Stage, PlayMakers Theatre, Long Wharf Theater, and Baltimore Center Stage. She has exhibited across the country and is in numerous private collections. Ms. Rivarde is also an economic development professional who builds communities with a strong talent for placemaking and engagement. She has overseen numerous cultural programming for cities including public art programs, cultural grants programs, musical series, film location services, and operation of cultural assets.
My paintings explore connections. Connections to nature, to others, to time as well as disruption in connection. I like to have a sense of mystery in the image that encourages the viewer to think about what is going on and to question the relationship between the figures and/or the environment. I have a background in the theater, so the images often have a sense of drama and possible disconcerting atmosphere. In my figurative work, the audience should wonder what the characters are thinking about.
Gesture and movement are important in my paintings. I approach painting by thinking about planes of color, layering in linework, and thinking about the auric nature of edges as well as the visual weight across the picture plane. I often see anthropomorphic moments in nature and try to bring these out in my work. I draw from the environment that I have experienced and that has a resonance for me, including the mangroves and banyans of Florida and the woods of Maryland.
My approach to painting derives from the tradition of Cezanne, with planes of color, like that of Fairfield Porter. However, I layer in linear work that emphasizes gesture as well as the auric glow around objects to enhance their power, as well as to balance color and weight in the composition. I am influenced by the intimate moments of artists like Lois Dodd, and the supernatural and spiritual content of artists like Leonora Carrington and Amy Cutler.
BIO
Cindy Rivarde was born in Toledo, Ohio and lives in Columbia, Maryland. She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received a B.A. in art and dramatic art in 1988 and received the Paul and Elizabeth Green Award for women in theater. She also received her M.F.A. in painting from Towson University in 2004. In her early career, she was a scenic artist at Hartford Stage, PlayMakers Theatre, Long Wharf Theater, and Baltimore Center Stage. She has exhibited across the country and is in numerous private collections. Ms. Rivarde is also an economic development professional who builds communities with a strong talent for placemaking and engagement. She has overseen numerous cultural programming for cities including public art programs, cultural grants programs, musical series, film location services, and operation of cultural assets.
