Cynthia Tom works in a variety of mediums, but primarily with acrylics. She develops her paintings largely through subconscious inspiration. Often, a symbol, an image, or a phrase will begin her creative process. Each painting develops like the telling of a story, and the use of intense color and ethereal perspective has become her trademark.
Cynthia is a seeker and philosopher about issues in her life, her ancestors, and the community of women. She is sent down new artistic paths through dialog with friends and family, forming new themes and stories for her paintings. Symbols, cues, and clues fill her work, which has been described as "Cultural Surrealism".
As a third generation Chinese American, Cynthia draws inspiration from divergent cultures, and the contradictions that implies are expressed in a variety of ways. Eastern and Western symbols often share space on the same canvas. A Chinese collar may top a dress form with western sensibilities; a cheong sam is juxtaposed with a Victorian skirt.
Moreover, the clothing takes on its own autonomy. The dress forms represent the human spirit. They may exist in different environments, elaborately clothed, or their interiors become an exposed psychic landscape. Regardless of these dress forms' surroundings and embellishments, their essential core, the human spirit, remains a constant.
These strong female images evoke a deep longing for freedom of expression and a life of choice.
Her paintings persuade us to look beyond the aesthetic--to challenge stereotypes and traditional roles, question paradigms, and encourage our internal dialogue.
