Cynthia Sumner

Born in Marin County, CA / Works in San Francisco, CA

BIO

Cynthia Sumner graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute in sculpture, and has exhibited work on both the East and West Coasts, as well as in Louisiana. Her artistic journey began in childhood and has evolved through an experimentation with materials and deep a curiosity. While living in New Orleans, she developed a thriving children’s art program using recycled materials and hosted grant-funded art workshops for teachers. There, she collaborated on site-specific installations and collaborative projects before returning to California and shifting towards two-dimensional work. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she stays actively engaged with the local arts community through volunteering and mentoring. She's previously worked as an arts educator for various organizations both in New Orleans and the Bay Area and founded a co-working artist space, Art Scene Studio in Fort Bragg. Fostering creativity and community is an extension of her belief in our interconnection and that each one of us matters.

The natural world, with its intricate patterns and ever-evolving forms, is a constant source of inspiration. Through the interplay of materials and techniques, I explore the interconnectedness of all things, from the microscopic to the cosmic. By layering and excavating various media, such as oil paint, wax, acrylic, ink, and paper, I create abstracted compositions that evoke the vastness of the universe, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the enduring wonder of nature. The materials themselves are collaborators, their inherent properties guiding my process and contributing to the emergent imagery. Drawn into a subconscious dialogue with the materials, I allow them to influence the direction of the piece and reveal the hidden meanings that lie within.