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Cynthia Tom

About Me

Favorite Medium: paintings
Statement: Cynthia Tom works in a variety of mediums, primarily with acrylics. She develops her paintings largely through subconscious inspiration. Most often, a symbol, an image or a phrase will begin her creative process. Each painting develops like the telling of a story, and the use of intense color and ethereal perspective has become her trademark.Cynthia is a seeker and philosopher about issues in her life, her ancestors and the community of women. She is sent down new artistic paths through dialog with friends and family, forming new themes and stories for her paintings. Symbols, cues and clues fill her work, which has been described as Â“Cultural SurrealismÂ”. As a third-generation Chinese American, Cynthia draws inspiration from divergent cultures, and the resulting contradictions are expressed in a variety of ways. Eastern and Western symbols often share space on the same canvas. A Chinese collar may top a dress form with western sensibilities; a cheongsam is juxtaposed with a Victorian skirt. Moreover, the clothing takes on its own autonomy. The dress forms represent the human spirit. They may exist in different environments, elaborately clothed, or their interiors become an exposed psychic landscape. Regardless of these dress formsÂ’ surroundings and embellishments, their essential core, the human spirit, remains a constant.These strong female images evoke a longing for freedom of expression and a life of choice.
Bibliography: October 2003 Art and Soul, The SF Sunset Beacon Â–Jonathan Farrell May 2003 Women Artists of the American West, Book and CD- Susan Ressler, Purdue University Press October 2002 Finding Your Own Voice, Art Calendar May 2002 Dreaming with Eyes Wide Open, Artist in Residence at the San Francisco Fine Arts Museums, SF Arts Monthly April, July 2001 Art That Moves, Ron Curran, editor-BANG magazine February 1999 Re-Orientation: Washington Square Gallery- Gennie Rim, AsianWeek February 1999 Art Review, Koret Gallery - San Jose Mercury News
Birth City: San Francisco

Contact

San Francisco, California
United States
cynthiatom@mindspring.com
Phone: 415-564-1864

Education

Degree: BA
Institution: SF State
Grad Year: 1982

Artwork by this artist

Cynthia Tom California art acrylic 30 x 40	Cynthia Tom California art paintings 24 x 36
Cynthia Tom California art acrylic 48 x 36

ctom

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Cynthia Tom

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Artwork by this artist