Kindred spirits surface in some of the most interesting places. When I first noticed Cinthia's photography work I saw a woman filled with passion and a way of seeing what surrounds her in a perspective point of a tale.

It wasn't long after I met Cinthia that I burned her a music CD. I sent it to her for Christmas and you know what her favorite song was?... You Shook Me All Night Long... AC/DC... now that figures As time went on a saw she had taken a photo of a bear warning sign. I had to have one of those signs as I thought it was hilarious in its own right... well guess who made sure I got one sent? Yep, Cinthia a giving spirit.

Cinthia is an artist who gives her all. She does this so willingly to all who know her. Having developed a sense of knowing her subject and herself as a connected life force. Along with a sassy sense of humor and timing Cinthia is a true hearted lady who began her journey years ago in the land of the "Lone Star" state and now she shines her brillance upon the tundra and beauty of Alaska.

Cheers to you my kindred spirit and friend- enjoy fellow lovers of passion my chat with photographer and writer Cinthia Stimson


KL: How long have you been a deviously darling deviant and why did you join dA?

Cinthia: I joined dA in September, 2006, because of a strong need to interact with other photographers, despite my introverted nature. I had - and still do have, a desire to learn more about this art and am sure I always will. Almost every day is something new!

KL: Have your works of art changed dramatically since the beginning of your dA inception?

Cinthia: Not the overall style, no. However, I think my work is improving. I certainly hope it is!

KL: How does art influence your creativity- your emotional state- spiritually?

Cinthia: When I have the chance to get out and shoot, I feel more centered, more at peace within my heart and my head. When I can’t shoot for whatever reason, going on virtual travels through other deviants’ galleries almost satisfies that hunger for creativity. It is definitely a craving and I know to ignore it too long isn’t good for my mental health Its very cathartic

KL: How many artists would you say you have come to know since joining dA?

Cinthia: Perhaps half a dozen do I really “know.” I interact with several more artists. I guess it all depends on how you define knowing them

KL: Have you met any dA artists in person?

Cinthia: I have, actually. I’ve known Miss Presley since 1989, she’s the Godmother to my children. She’s not active on dA at this time, but she is an incredibly talented woman. I wish we still lived in the same town, altho being in different states probably keeps us both out of trouble!


KL: Most memorable moment on dA?

Cinthia: The first time someone featured me. I didn’t have a clue either, as to what it meant. Being one of millions of deviants, it is tremendously easy to get overlooked. I am still thankful today to the deviant who noticed something about my work and chose to feature a newbie -- because even after a year, I was still a newb.

KL: Has there been a particular artist on dA who has influenced you or has become someone you admire greatly?

Cinthia: Yes, there is. The style of his work is unique imo -- the purpose and thought, not to mention precision, behind his shots intrigues me. He’s been a mentor and a friend with patience beyond measure. I trust him to critique my work and as such, I think I am … slowly … becoming a better photographer. I am appreciative for the friendship and advice. I also strongly admire my sister photographer-artists yourself, KL Marsala , Boxed Photos , CJ Morgan, and so many more on dA -- I really admire all my friends, to be quite honest. Those of us who interact can’t help but sharing, learning, teaching each other … it happens, thankfully!

KL: How has the area where you reside influenced your work?

Cinthia: I consider living in Alaska amazing! I have so many opportunities to shoot -- and more so when the weather is cooperative, but really, I couldn’t ask for a better location to be a photographer. I’ve only limited myself and that’s something I’m working on.

KL: If you could run your own gallery what would be its running theme?

Cinthia: I don’t think I can answer this one -- I truly have never contemplated anything like running a gallery.

KL: Are there other art mediums you enjoy creating?

Cinthia: I do Athabascan Alaska Native style beadwork and skin sewing. I make various kinds of jewelery and do bead embroidery. Colors and textures fascinate me. I can sit and play (sort) my tubes of beads and lose all track of time. I love the craftsmanship in a beautifully created glass lampwork bead. I’m addicted to textures. I love to play!

KL: I have never met anyone who has done such beadwork... now we have to get together! I want to learn!

KL: Do you have a drink you enjoy while in the moment of creation?

Cinthia: I’ve been pushing the water lately on my health kick, but quite honestly, I love a 16-ounce, triple shot, mac and coconut latte when I’m working.

KL: Do you have a profession outside of art?

Cinthia: I’m a freelance writer and freelance photographer. Occasionally I even get paid

KL: What have been some of your other professions?

Cinthia: My main profession was as a newspaper editor but I didn‘t like writing news, I preferred features and feel-good stories. I still fill in for that job once or twice a year. I spent two years as a body piercer, I’ve been a bartender a few times, a flagger for a construction company, waitress, cook for an electrical line crew and on a fishing boat. Either I'm adult ADD or just very eclectic.

KL: Growing up were you encouraged to see the world the way you see it now?

Cinthia: I grew up with a lot of rules and boundaries and lines which weren’t supposed to be crossed. I think I’ve progressed a bit from that, but I like to believe I am continuing to work on it. I really am still a work in progress.

KL: Are there other artists in your family?

Cinthia: My mother is an artist, she paints with oils and acrylics.

KL: Do you have other hobbies outside of the realm of art?

Cinthia: I love to create, be it writing, photography, beading, baking ... I guess outside of that would be reading, I’m a voracious reader. I’ve recently taken up going for long walks and I’m thoroughly enjoying it. I love flying, I come from a family of pilots -- I’m the only one who doesn’t have my license, but I love going up in small planes! So much better to shoot from lol

KL: If you could create a work of art that would be completely free of any inhibiting thoughts and boundaries what would you create?

Cinthia: This is a seriously deep question. I don’t have an answer right now.

KL: When you do have an answer... share?

KL: What is your favorite style of music?

Cinthia: Predominately rock, but I listen to all types of music. Am pretty open to anything, with a tendency toward the exotic

KL: Favorite movie?

Cinthia: I don’t know if I have just one. Forever Young (sucker for a romance); Skipped Parts (its really off and absolutely hilarious); I love the Pirates of the Caribbean movies and Star Wars.

KL: Most creative or imaginative work of art you’ve accomplished?

Cinthia: I have yet to get there with my photography.

KL: What book do you own that is the book that you cannot live without?

Cinthia: There again, I don’t have just one. I have a huge book collection and haven’t stopped collecting them yet

KL: If you could meet one person in this life past or present who would that be?

Cinthia: Hmmmm ....

KL: Household size, pets, kids, etc... where did you grow up? Schooling?

Cinthia: I was born in West Texas and moved to Alaska as a child and have lived in various places around the state since. I went to two years of college in-state. I have two kids, my daughter is 20-years old and currently going to college in New Zealand. My son is 11. We’ve got 12 chickens, a rottweiller and a couple of obnoxious cats.

KL: What in the future would you like to do with your artwork?

Cinthia: Continue to learn, grow and improve. It’s a bonus to sell work, granted, we need to pay bills, but I said once upon a time when starting out with the newspaper, “I’m happy just to have my byline on my stories and get them published! They don't even know they wouldn't have to pay me!” I shoot because it makes me happy and brings me a tremendous amount of joy, as corny as that sounds. Hopefully I can share some of my passion for photography with others; either way, I hope to keep shooting for my own peace of mind.

KL: Any tips or advice to pass along to other dA portfolio users?

Cinthia: Do what you love and keep doing it, no matter what.

We all come from various pockets on this big blue marble but we all share humanity in common. Its so nice to get to know fellow artists such as yourself better Cinthia. You are diverse and not afraid to explore, even though at times like many of us you doubt your abilities- you still go and embrace life. Thank you for sharing a bit of who you are with the rest of us. I must come soon for a "Girls Night Out" and learn this Alaskan beading... LOL!

Ciao dA artists till next time~ KL

Here are a few of Cinthia's amazing pieces and favorites: