BSSDC Programs

September 2008 | Past Speakers

September 2008

Cynthy Anderson, Fiber and Bead Artist

Behind the crazy…quilting mind of Cynthy Anderson

More than 20 years ago, Cynthy Anderson decided to go crazy… in a creative way. Since, she’s poured her imaginative talent into the production of outstanding pieces of art in the form of crazy quilts, sculpted dolls, pincushions, broches and fiber embellishments.

“Crazy quilting is my passion”, Cynthy confessed before SDCBS members during her presentation as our August meeting guest speaker. A passion she’s shared as a teacher of crazy quilting and the art of embellishment for the past 20 years.

The Temecula resident said she’s “self-taught on almost anything” and her creative quirkiness shows in pieces that combine Victorian flair with influences of Native American cultures that have fascinated her since she was a teenager.

Cynthy recalled how at age 17 she started visiting Native American tribes, like the Navajo and Zunis, immerging in their cultures. “I love their ceremonial costumes, their jewelry…the beauty of their silver and turquoise pieces”, she said.

The asymmetry in Cynthy’s work was best represented during her presentation in her “Collections from My Heart” quilt which garnered a first round winner award at the 2006 “$100,000 Quilting Challenge” sponsored by All American Craft magazines. In this fancy 12-block quilt irregular and random pieces of fabric are pieced and enhanced with a cornucopia of silk ribbons, velvet, beads and embroidery embellishment.

We thank Cynthy for sharing with us her fabulous work featured in magazines such as Folk Art Treasures, Country Designs, Bead Unique and Bella Amore and exhibited in several Southern California art galleries.