When I first moved to Anchorage I was a little concerned as to how I would be able to continue with my ceramics. A studio mate at the Upstairs Studio recommended I speak to Cindy Shake. Cindy sold me two kilns and has really become the go to person for me whenever I have had any question as to where to get this or who would know about that. Cindy is a wealth of knowledge, kind and generous. Cindy truly is a wonderful friend to have. Cindy was kind enough to share with us a little bit more about herself. Take and a look and learn more about this incredible woman and her art process.
What inspires you – and do you use that inspiration directly to create a piece of art or do you channel towards something you are already working on?
I’m easily inspired by things I find in Nature -flora & fauna, and that inspiration will usually be directed toward a specific piece.
Is there a process or ritual you go through before you begin creating? And if so, what is it?
It’s not very glamourous but my housework has to be done, the studio and shop need to first be organized, materials purchased and I need to put the music on. It used to just be my putting on my favorite pair of Carhartts and have a 20 oz. Americanno.
Are you ever satisfied with your work? If you are, how do you know when you are done? If not, how do you let go of a piece of art?
Lately it’s 50/50 because I’m so busy and the satisfaction has to be tempered with the realities of working as a full time artist. Sadly, it’s the clock on the wall that usually tells me when a piece is done! Letting go sometimes is very hard. I still have some pieces that I have not been able to let go -for any price. I can generally “fall out of love” with a fantastic piece after something else has been made and I’ve found that cycle occurs about every month.
What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you ever imagine being an artist?
I was always good at art but when I was a kid being an artist wasn’t really considered a job or a career path. I wanted to be a cake decorator.
How important is it to you to keep art affordable?
With the current economic climate, very important as those sales less commissions, overhead and expenses are my income. It’s a constant struggle as my cost of materials continues to rise and my retail price points continue to need to be adjusted downward.
Do you collect art?
My husband and I have been fortunate to have been able to barter with many talented artists and have incredible works in a variety of mediums. I also have a collection of artful teapots.
Favorite place to travel?
Locally to Homer and we have a cabin in Alyeska (Girdwood) that is our respite.
Biggest fear?
My Leukemia returning.
When did you decide to be an artist?
I was born an artist.
Your favorite painter?
Locally, Steve Gordon, Nationally the work of Eric Carl.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Thrift store shopping and half and half in my coffee.
What are you working on now?
Art Quilts.
What would an ideal day for you look like?
My dogs letting themselves out while I read the paper and enjoy my coffee in the morning sun on the deck. That would be a good start.
Did you grow up with art? Is your background in the arts?
My parents are very creative but have only recently become artists themselves now that they have more time. Yes, my background has always been in the arts, mainly in advertising and graphic design.
How has your taste in art evolved?
I don’t think it has but my husband and I can better afford what we like.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother to three and a friend to many and all that goes with those responsibilities every day.
How do you work?
tirelessly.
Explain what you do in 100 words.
This was written about my work and process by the Artful Home and the Guild: Award-winning illustrator and graphic designer Cindy Shake was drawn to metal sculpture by the physical challenges inherent in metalworking. The full-time artist works primarily in steel and fiber arts from her studio in Anchorage, Alaska. “When I see a fluid shape in nature I am often inspired to interpret the form dimensionally through sculpture. I think continually about the structure until I am able to reflect the figure as an art form.” It’s not unusual for her to work on several pieces at once, in several mediums, in various phases of design, cutting, welding, finishing, sewing, painting, or installation.
How has your practice changed over time?
I used to work late into the night. My production schedule is much more planned now and I stop working by 3:00 pm when my youngest son gets out of school.
What art do you most identify with?
Artwork that is illustrative and accomplished.
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
When I was a kid, I mowed lawns and sold garden seeds. I was a window dresser and display manager for a large department store and I’ve worked in the Advertising Agency business as a Creative Director and Art Director. My husband and I also owned a successful coffee shop for years. Mainly, I was the principal in a graphic design company for 20 plus years.
What do you dislike about your work?
The sheer quantity of pieces I need to make each month to earn a living.
What do you like about your work?
Being self-employed and making people happy with my art work.
What research do you do?
I love research, especially for the flora and fauna I create. I’m a voracious reader, reading multiple newspapers and a novel every 10 days or so. I do a lot of internet research of images, visit the library and museums and watch movies regularly.
What superpower would you have and why?
The power to heal, for the obvious reasons.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Good, Fast, Cheap. Choose Two.
Professionally, what’s your goal?
To enjoy art making and always be physically able to do so.
What wouldn’t you do without?
My health and the health of my family.
Why do you do what you do?
It’s what I was meant to do.
Why art?
I’m easily inspired and I can’t sing or dance.
Cindy’s work can be found locally at The Spenard Farmers Market, throughout Alaska in various galleries and nationally through http://www.artfulhome.com
To learn more about Cindy, you can follow her at http://artmakinginthenorth.blogspot.com/
Thank you Cindy.
