Cynthia Herbst

Artist Statement | Cynthia Herbst's Gallery | Back to List of Artists

"Welcome to the small picture window of Esinti's lifeline! The first 30 years, beginning in 1956, were equally divided between North Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. It would be hardpressed not to catch the "love-of-art bug" growing up under the watch of my artist mother and supportive father. In '72, I was given the opportunity to work with the Navajo Indians. So began my romance with stones and silver -- rudimentary, tactile and intuitive...not schooled with formal training. College years, 1974 and onward, began with a focus on sociology/psychology. Life would never be the same after Southwest Texas University... clay simply stole my heart! The next few years were mixed with the treasured arrival of two of my sons and more studios. Laying down the art, 1984 marked the start of a life-time within a lifetime. Missionary humanitarian work in Mexico, Guatamala, El Salvador, Colombia and Romania. From refugee camps to running a home for street children (and the adoption of my third son) to art therapy with the mentally ill in Eastern Europe...to homeschooling three incredible sons. This lifeline has been colored by cultural exchanges, rather grave illnesses/injuries, God's unending goodness and a blessed rage to live and to give. A return to the US of A in '97 thrust me into the typical, but foreign to me after years gone, work race here. I had hopes to return to my art, little did I anticipate that another traumatic head injury would be the catalyst! So after a 30 year break, as part of my cognitive rehabilitation, in 2003 I began to make jewelry again. I have barely begun...thank you for your share in Esinti's lifeline. Remember..."there is no easy way to the stars from Earth" (Seneca)...but the journey is rich."

- Cynthia Herbst