Native Azaleas. Cindy Rehm, artist
By Gina Malone
Cindy Rehm attributes her painting style to her unconventional way of, first, seeing what’s around her, then, processing those sights in her mind and transferring them to the canvas. “My world is flatter than reality,” she says. “My depth perception is off. This is due to the systemic way that my actual vision and brain work. I purposely give in to it as I work. Thus, line defines shapes, values become shapes and shapes of images simplify.” What begins with inspiration and reference gives way to improvisation and intuitiveness. “Sometimes images stray from reality, becoming subconscious altogether,” she says. “They evolve into metaphors, especially in landscapes where, for example, shadow in my work could suggest origami folds, birds in flight or figures.”
Into the Light. Cindy Rehm, artist
In this intuitive and creatively free state of mind, she finds her palettes for particular pieces. “In much of my work, color families that I am drawn to and apply are really quite theoretical: primary, complementary, analogous,” she says. “Within color families, my work tends to be highly saturated, bright, lively. I achieve variation by placing color next to color; harmony, through glazing; and rhythm, through application of brushstrokes.”
Rehm grew up in Danbury, CT, with a father who painted and talked about inspirations and the practice of art with his children from the time they were very young. With no art classes in the parochial school she attended, her parents enrolled her in art and ballet classes. In high school, however, she encountered a young, vibrant art teacher who inspired her. “She made art class the only time of the school day I truly looked forward to,” Rehm says. “I lived in the art room. Art was challenging, disciplined, joy-filled.”
Oak Hydrangea Bouquet. Cindy Rehm, artist
Her studies at Connecticut University let her explore art broadly and deeply, and, upon graduation, she became an art teacher and, later, an arts administrator and consultant. “Having had a rewarding career in arts education and arts administration in CT and now in Brevard, my relationship with students and colleagues is my most cherished experience,” she says. “In CT, I served as supervisor of art education for the Simsbury public schools, and founded and directed the Simsbury Arts Academy where students continued their studies in music, art, drama and dance after school and during the summer.”
Since moving to WNC, she has immersed herself in the art community with leadership roles in the Transylvania Community Arts Council (TCArts) and as a visiting artist in Transylvania County Schools. “Teaching, doing, supporting, collaborating and living among creatives have been my life’s joy,” she says. After Hurricane Helene, she and her TCArts colleagues used their love and practice of art to buoy the spirits of the community. “We offered Saturday afternoon time in our gallery for families to create, have refreshments, listen to music and share each other’s stories,” Rehm says.
Force of Nature. Cindy Rehm, artist
“We held fundraisers for several artist- and community-based efforts. TCArts also hosted a very successful month-long exhibition extending invitations to Asheville and local artists to display their art.”
Rehm works mostly in a light-filled studio in her home. “My work has been described as contemporary, expressive, energetic and color-drenched,” she says. “I draw inspiration from the natural world, most notably florals, gardens and landscapes. I launch my concept and subject matter choices mostly by beginning with direct observation in the studio or outdoors. I’ll create sketches, take photos, maybe create a small study. Compositional decisions are best planned ahead. I will underpaint a dark or vibrant color that will peep throughout my painting. While it’s wet, I will subtract paint and add values. Ultimately, I will remove all references. I have to reach that part of the creative process where I am happiest.”
Sunflower Bouquet. Cindy Rehm, artist
Kathy King, executive director of TCArts, praises Rehm for her many roles. “As an artist, she creates paintings that capture the brilliant colors and essence of our mountain surroundings,” King says. “But Cindy is also an ardent supporter and advocate for the arts in Transylvania County. From serving as a board member and officer of Transylvania Community Arts Council, to championing our Summer Arts Academy and our Arts In Schools programming, and so much more, she devotes countless hours promoting ‘arts for everyone’ in Transylvania County.”
Rehm counts her husband Manfred, a sculptor and photographer, and her son Eric, a therapist, among her biggest cheerleaders and critics. “I am so grateful to those who have appreciated my work and my colleagues whose robust conversations grounded in art criticism and aesthetics fuel me,” she says.
To learn more, visit CindyRehm7.faso.com. Visits to Rehm’s studio are by appointment only. Her work is represented regionally by Red Wolf Gallery, 8 East Main Street, Brevard. Find the gallery at RedWolfGalleryNC.com.
