Cynthia Brody, MFT and Mixed Media Artist

Uncategorized / By

Original article can be found on Boston Voyager

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cynthia Brody.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been making mixed-media art for over 4 decades. I have continued to be interested in representing women in surreal surroundings. Although I enjoy painting, and do quite a bit of painting in each piece, I like the complexity of combining photo images with paint to create a story that looks believable but in reality, is made up of unrelated images. I’m always looking at the shape and texture of the world around us and figuring out what else might look like that.

It determines what I photograph and how I use it- such as mountains I photographed from a helicopter in Kauai and using them as a coat on a woman. Each piece has many secrets, and the longer people look at the art the more they discover. For me, it makes the composition fun as I piece together parts of things as a whole. People tell me they cannot tell what is photo and what is painted. Since the advent of iPhone cameras and art apps I can manipulate my photos in ways I could not before, and that adds to the fun. I usually create the story digitally first and then translate into mixed media.

It seems to me my other profession as a licensed family therapist has certain similarities to how I make art. I am always looking at the distinct elements of individuals and of families to understand better how it came into the current form. And like moving collage photos to change the story in a piece, I try to help people determine what they might move or change to make a better picture of their lives.

Several years ago I collected the art and writing of people who had been inspired to create on the subject of the Holocaust. I had written poetry and created art on the subject myself, but realized there must be much creative work that hadn’t been shared. I began a 7-year process of collecting, organizing, designing and finally editing an anthology, Bittersweet Legacy – Creative Responses to the Holocaust.

It was something I needed to do as it is my family’s history, and I was happy to provide a place for the expressions of 75 others. I was happy to have this collection find its way into most major university libraries in this country and on other continents. Again, I was taking pieces of lives and exploring them, organizing them. It seems to be what I do.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t imagine most worthy roads are smooth. I didn’t go back to school for my psychology education until I was 40, but I never looked back once I made my decision. I am happy to do this work and have no plans of stopping. With the art, making it is the best part but it can be a struggle as I attempt to grow.

Getting the work seen is always challenging for artists, but there is no question that it is something I need to keep doing.

Please tell us about Cynthia Brody, MFT Cynthia Brody Mixed Media Art.
In my work as a therapist, I especially like working with women and helping them realize their basic value. I believe we need to find meaning in what we are doing and be authentic or we will not be happy or well.

I treat individuals as well as couples and families. I’m direct in my approach and very proactive, but it is up to the individual to decide what is important to her/him. I try to bring humor into everything I do. It helps us get through the rough spots.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I guess recognizing that I could make others laugh. I was always looking for ways to bring a smile to my mother’s face. As an immigrant and Holocaust survivor (along with my father) I often saw her looking off sadly and I wanted to do what I could to cheer her. That trait has served me in my own life.

Contact Info:

error: Content is protected !!