Meet Cynthia Brody

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cynthia Brody. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cynthia below.

Hi Cynthia, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I believe my mere existence has fostered a drive to live a life of purpose. I say this because I was born to a mother who had survived six months in Auschwitz, not an easy feat. Learning this at a very early age, I’ve always felt I should not take the life I’d been given for granted. I’d always sketched as a child and felt I would probably make a career in art my focus. When the only school I’d applied to rejected me, I decided I was not very good and got a degree in a field in which I had no interest. When I complained about my failed attempt at being an artist while attending a 70’s consciousness raising group years later another woman suggested I “Stop bitching about it and just do it!” I thought I was too old . At 24. I went home and began creating art and have never looked back.

Fast forward to age 40 and I had an experience with another stranger that unearthed by second purpose. I witnessed a woman being slapped in the face by a man across the street from where I lived. When I went to her to help retrieve the contents of her purse which he’d thrown across the street I asked if she was married to him. She said she was not and I told her that would make it easier to leave because it would not be getting better. Within moments I realized this was what had been missing from my life – being of service. Within weeks I was in a graduate program for counseling and I’ve been practicing for over 35 years. Again, I never looked back.

These events may have seemed random and the decisions impulsive, but in truth I’d been seeking parts of myself that were unfulfilled and these opportunities provided by strangers became the entry to the most rewarding undertakings of my life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve always had a focus on the experience of being female. In my work as a psychotherapist I am committed to supporting women, building their self-esteem and raising awareness of mistreatment. I encourage connection with their own creativity and an understanding of what brings meaning to their lives. I most enjoy watching their development into strong, healthy women.

I”ve been creating “Badass Women” in my art for over 50 years. I call the process “making friends” as their presence is felt on my walls and they seem to have their own personalities. I combine oil paints with photo collage (some of which I created digitally and then build into the piece), most often mixing the women’s hair, clothing and/or background with images from Nature. I see that I am doing the same in the women I create as my in efforts as a therapist – emphasizing beauty and strength in women.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

It takes time to know oneself. I think paying attention to what brings meaning into on’s life is a wonderful guide to indicate what direction to take. I have to say I never really considered financial rewards in my choices. I just did what felt like me. The old saying that if you do what you love the rest will follow is true. I’d say do your best, don’t compare yourself to others, and recognize that no one knows what they are doing when they first start anything. It takes time to build skills. Be generous with what you learn. Ask for help. Accept the failures are the greatest teachers. And try to enjoy yourself.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My parents learned to go beyond survival. They worked hard to achieve the American dream. Their experiences and losing many members of their families had a profound affect on them and on me. I believe it motivated me to help others in pain and also drove me to create beauty to deal with my own. I doubt I’d have done either if I’d been born to different people.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://cynthiabrodyart.com
• Instagram: Cynthia Brody
• Facebook: Cynthia Brody Mixed Media Art
• Linkedin: Cynthia Brody

Image Credits

all photos taken by me