Cindy Ingram, Inspiration, stained glass mosaic on cradle board, 12x12in., $2,500
I wanted to illustrate the connection with creativity and personal empowerment both from an internal and external space--how connection to self and your humanity leads to a deeper place spiritually and creatively.

Artist Statement
In my work with mosaic and mixed media, I follow the quiet voice of intuition to uncover what delights me. After two decades of guiding others through art as an educator and entrepreneur, I've returned to my own creative practice—a homecoming to a part of myself that had been silenced by the stories I'd made up about what an "artist" should be: formally trained, naturally gifted, and producing museum-worthy work from day one.

My subjects—dinosaurs, aliens, and unexpected juxtapositions in collage—come from a place of genuine joy and play. I'm not trying to make profound statements about the human condition although often they naturally arise; I'm just following what feels good and interesting to me. Yet within this playfulness, I'm constantly challenging myself and listening to the whispers of curiosity that pull me toward new materials, techniques, and ideas.

This journey back to creative expression became the heart of my memoir, "Art Is About Being Whole," where I explore how reconnecting with our creative spirit isn't just about making art—it's about reclaiming wholeness and authenticity in all aspects of our lives. The book charts my path from art appreciator to art maker, examining how creativity heals the fragmented parts of ourselves.

When I start a piece, I have no master plan. I'm just showing up to play with materials and see what happens. The glass pieces, paper scraps, and mixed media elements have their own ideas about where we're headed, and I've learned it's more fun to listen than to force my agenda. This mirrors what I discovered while writing my book: that trusting the process often leads to deeper, more authentic expression than rigidly controlling the outcome.

My creative practice is about reclaiming my right to make stuff just because I want to. I make art for myself, not to impress anyone or tick boxes on some imaginary "serious artist" checklist. This approach has taught me that creativity isn't about being the best or most original—it's about showing up authentically and having a good time with whatever materials are in front of you.

Through my work, both visual and written, I hope to nudge others to question their own "I'm not creative" stories and just make something, anything, without worrying if it's good enough. Because trust me, it is.