Tuesday's Treasures - Mazel Tov

I've know Cindy Lavin thru various online groups so am thrilled to have had an opportunity to reconnect with her recently. She's an incredible jewelry artist and blogger.

Let's get to know Cyndi a bit better....

1. If there's one thing that defines you, what is it?
What defines me, especially as an artist is that I believe we're all
designed to be creative beings. I believe that all of us create because
our Creator made us in His own image, and He is creative. Some people
don't think that they are creative, but I believe that's because they
haven't found the right medium yet, or the right way of looking at
creativity. Creativity is a lot broader than some of us realize.

2. Where do you live and what is it like?
I live and play in central Massachusetts, where the long winters are
conducive to curling up and doing picky picky beadwork. The brief springs
and summers are time for refueling, and the glorious autumns are inspiring
beyond belief!

3. Where did you learn to craft or. are you self taught?
Although I've taken some short classes here and there, especially when I
can study with an artist I respect, for the most part I'm self-taught. I
am very grateful to all the fabulous folks who have written books
detailing the techniques that I use most: different beadwork stitches,
wirework, Photoshop basics, acrylic paint techniques, and the like. Once
you know how to do the basics, I think it's important to develop your own
style in putting them together.

There are some things that I think are best learned in a classroom. I'm
glad that I took a weekend class in lampworking, for example. Yes, I
could have figured it out eventually from the books that are available,
but I was able to avoid a lot of potentially dangerous mistakes by
investing in a class.

4. What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Find what you do best, what makes your heart burn within you, and perfect
it. Then move on and add more things into the mix. Don't ever stop
exploring and expanding your artwork.

Here are some links to where you can find Cyndi's work and her fantastic blogs:


MazelTovJewelry
WildestDreamDesigns
BeadingArts
MixedMediaArtist
WhyNotArt
RealFoodFast