Art Exhibit: A Closer Look

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Artist Bio

Cindy Westfall is a long time Urbana resident who explores her love of expression through a variety of media.

She grew up in rural south-central Illinois surrounded by untidied nature, that oldest and most potent inspiration. While studying Botanical Science as an undergrad at Eastern Illinois University, she re-ignited her childhood love of art and took on an art minor, then after her undergraduate work was completed, earned a Master of Art degree with a focus in metalsmithing.

Continuing her exploration of different media and techniques, in recent years Cindy has taken further classes and workshops, branching into printmaking, oil painting and charcoal drawing. Her primary inspiration remains our natural world, especially those moody parts of it that might be hidden or overlooked, and she hopes always for the moment of connection when the viewer sees, with new eyes, what the artist sees – whether that be light, form, detail, or composition. She has no plans on leaving off this endeavor, so long as ideas and ability permit. 

Cindy has 25 years of experience as a bench jeweler and jewelry designer and works at Robert’s – The Fine Art of Jewelry in downtown Champaign.

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Artist Statement

I intend to make you see with other eyes.

The artist, I believe, cannot help but to say something. The very act of creation is a statement, in and of itself, always; it says “look, look! Here – this is how I see. I pass that on to you, in whatever way I can.’

Hopefully, you will be compelled to follow.

I have always been inspired by the things around me, whether natural or man-made. I like the moody corners of things, the solidity of common objects, the unexpected interplay of shapes. I could say my inspiration comes from ‘nature,’ but that means everything. I am inspired by the world, revealed and hidden. Often, we overlook, or never notice, or assume that the things around us hold no secrets, but to the eye of the artist, everything holds secrets. Everything speaks. It is only up to us to translate, that others too might see. 

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