Cindy Cooksey - Irvine, CA

1.  What do you call yourself - art wise? I am an artist.
2.  How do you jump start your creativity when you are in a slump? Taking a long walk is a tried and true method for me to get my creative ideas flowing. Going to good art museum works, too.

3.  If money wasn't an issue, what would you do with your art?  What a question!? Okay, how about I'd put images of my quilts up on the big screens in Times Square?

4.  Do you keep a sketchbook, journal, etc.? I do, but fitfully, when I'm in the mood.

5.  Where can people see your other work this year?  shows, books, magazines, etc. 

I have a quilt in the traveling exhibit called "Noble Seasons-Fall" that's in several places, including some of the Mancuso shows. I have two quilts in Simply Mini Quilts by Lark books. I have a trunk show in Visalia in late April. A number of other possibilities are in the works but not sure things at this point. 

  6.  Do you teach?  where?  A little bit, here and there, locally. I would like to do more.

  7.  Is there a particular artist who had influenced you in your art life? and why? There are many. Gabrielle Swain, for her beautiful handwork. Yvonne Porcella, for her love of color. Therese May, for her playfulness.

  8. Where or what show do you hope your work will be in someday? I'd love to get into Quilt Visions again. 

  9.  Describe your studio workspace. I have a medium-sized room that is getting rather full of stuff. That's where I do my machine work, cut out fabric, store fabric etc. I do all my handwork in my chair in the family room, with all my handwork materials kept nearby.
10.  What 3 tools could you not live without? That's a tough one. Seam ripper, Bernina stitch regulator, rotary cutter.  

11.  What drives you to make the work that you do? Mostly I do it because it makes me happy.

12.  How do you balance your life? It's not easy, is it? I try to set priorities. I try not to get over scheduled. I try to have some quiet time in a busy day.

http://www.CindyCooksey.com/

http://Cookseyville.blogspot.com/