Meet Cindy Rinne | Fiber Artist & Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cindy Rinne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cindy, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
I am participating in a local art exhibit at the first art center our community has had and it’s five years old. Places are barely opening up as we deal with sharing art in a pandemic. The art is in the space. There is the option of in-person or online viewing. I took part because this is my community for over 35 years. I live in a low income city, but rich with creatives. Many people and organizations are working to grow the arts here. I support this anyway I can. What I enjoy is that many are given a chance to share their creativity whether inside a formal space or in pop-up shows. There’s music and poetry too. I also encourage the younger artists in a type of mentoring. They also see that I am a professional artist and poet in my community and beyond.

I use recycled fabrics and fabrics from many ethnicities which brings the world together in my art. My poetry reflects myths from around the world. I hope this helps people to not only see “the other,” but as one. I desire to bring stories to my work and the viewer brings their own interpretation. Which leads to discussions. Stories bring understanding between people. Nature is also a major subject in my art and writing. Again, I am trying to bring awareness to the Earth and all beings on it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have loved creating art since a young child. My first professional medium was watercolor. I was self-taught, then took classes, and ended up teaching through a community center. Then I moved into acrylics. Highlights were studying the tundra in Estes Park, CO for my series and attending CSU Summer Arts ’92 – Elizabeth Murray, Bob Holman and Roland Reiss with Art Critic Peter Frank. Collage was always a favorite approach. I next moved into art quilting where I “paint” with fabric. This change wasn’t easy because at the time fiber art wasn’t shown much in galleries like it is now. I told the gallery owners that I am still an artist, but using a new medium. I joined the SCWCA (Southern California Women’s Caucus for the Arts) so I could exhibit my art with painters and photographers. Then people could reframe my creations as fine art not craft.

Some good advice I received along the way: “If your artist statement doesn’t change every five years, you are stuck.” “Get your art out there and not sitting in your studio.” This means trying new things, whether new materials, new color combinations, or a new series. Viewing art exhibits is important. Sometimes, if I feel stuck, I will take a few months and focus on going out to see art. This is also a way to support others in the community. Friendships bring support and open the doors for opportunities. I enjoy networking because I enjoy people’s stories. I learn new ways of seeing from others. We are there for each other in the good news and in the disappointments.

There will be lots of rejection in any art form. Sometimes this means looking at the work and deciding how to make it stronger. Other times, it’s a matter of standing firm in what you create. My art comes from a place of passion. Not everyone is going to like what I create. But I want to feel this is the best I can do now and share my work with others. I exhibit and read poetry in all types of places. It’s fun and hard work. Creating art and writing are my job. These are not a hobby. The day I decided many years ago that I was an artist, people took me seriously.

I keep learning about my brand or style, but I know I have a distinct voice. Even when I think I have shifted my style, people know it’s me. I am also careful who I listen to in critiques. Years ago, an artist I respected tore apart one of my watercolors. I went home and literally tore it up. Next day someone called and wanted to purchase it. I have learned to listen to others’ input. But at the end of the day, the art or poem is mine to present as I choose.

I am excited about present and future exhibitions and poetry books. It’s fun to see people create art inspired by my poems. Collaboration is an important part in my published poetry and sometimes in my art. My art style shifted during the pandemic which gives me new ways to explore my art. I am trying new forms of poetry too. I am proud to have a doll ornament in the White House collection. I like to pursue new aspects of my creativity such as performance poetry wearing my costumes. I exhibit these costume sculptures too. I am proud of continuing to make art after loosing all my fabrics, etc. to a house fire in 2003. Community stepped in and replaced much of what I lost giving me treasures.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA) at Cal State University San Bernardino, The Garcia Center for the Arts, The Little Gallery, (when everything opens again) and Viva la Boba in San Bernardino. I am centrally located between the mountains, Los Angeles, Lancaster, the beach, and Joshua Tree. Many choices for a week-long visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have a list: Kath Abela Wilson of Poets on Site, Andrew Thompson or The Little Gallery of San Bernardino, Juan and Susie Thorp of Desert Peach Fine Arts & Gifts, Rich Soos of Cholla Needles Arts & Literary Library, Andi Campognone of the Lancaster Museum of Art and History (MOAH), and so many more.

Website: fiberverse.com

Instagram: @fiberverse

Facebook: Cindy Rinne and Fiberverse

Image Credits
Dan Rinne took the two pictures of me.