We recently connected with Cynthia White Anderson and have shared our conversation below.
Cynthia, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
Keeping my creativity alive is an exciting choice that I step in, along, around, and out of every day. Setting short and long-term goals helps me keep on track with a variety of projects – I like to keep it fresh by exploring new things. One way I keep my ideas flowing is using a visual journal where I sketch, make notes, and paste in mementos and photos.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
My story is I married my best friend and have had the amazing opportunity in life to travel. My father served in the Navy and my parents instilled a thirst for adventure and creating personal connections with people from all walks of life. From July 2009 until July 2011, I worked as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan (JET Program) I had the best time in Japan and would recommend the program to anyone interested in learning about the culture and having the time of their lives! I have teaching experience from my time in Haiti, Thailand, Japan, and America that has developed my mentoring skills and creative communication abilities.
My focus professionally, as an artist – I am building my client base as an artist painting custom murals, and commissions. As a Change Agent – I volunteer with 2BHappy, a non-profit in Glendale for youth of all abilities to express themselves through artmaking. I believe that our lens shifts when we know each other more personally and art is a great tool to dig deeper and share our true selves.
As an Educator – I will not let the current administration stop the essential work I do as a teacher. As a visual arts teacher in a local High School, it is imperative to create a safe space for artists to explore their visual voices in a variety of media and techniques. Students collaborate, communicate with respect, and build upon ideas to conceptualize and create amazing work.
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?
Three areas of knowledge that were most impactful on my journey – be a keen observer, start small to celebrate big, and even when your pantry is not quite full make a healthy meal to share because it fills your stomach and your heart.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing that my parents did for me was to allow me to fall without running over to pick me up. I grew up the youngest of two brothers and I wanted to do everything they did. Encouraging me to keep trying built my resilience and determination. I still fall, and hands guide me when I need an extra lift, but, I know, it is within me – “there is more in you than you know.” I am so grateful for my parents’ curiosity, love for life and adventure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kittypuppytown.com
- Instagram: @kittypuppytown
Image Credits
All photos by Cynthia White Anderson, featured artwork property of artist, Cynthia White Anderson
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
