Artist Cynthia Lockhart on Art, Passion, and Using Your Gifts
It only takes a few milliseconds to feel the sparking energy that radiates from Cynthia Lockhart – it’s the kind of glittering comfort you want to bottle up and drink when you’re having a low day. She exudes confidence through a contagious smile, fabulous wardrobe, and lively charisma; her words travel with passion and leave a residual feeling of encouragement.
Cynthia was put on this Earth to work with textiles and has had the opportunity to experiment with different genres in fabric: from working in fashion design, to teaching about fashion, to becoming a storyteller through fiber art and mixed media. Each piece reflects her evolving beliefs as an individual and an artist in this life.
We met on a hot afternoon and talked in the café at DAAP – a building that holds a significant place in Cynthia’s journey as an artist. In our short time together, Cynthia kindly reminded me of the power of self-worth and how important it is to follow your intuition.
Interview by Sophia Epitropoulos. Photography by Chelsie Walter.
What led you to want to become an artist?
When I was teaching at DAAP, I was invited to join the board at Arts Consortium. (At the time, it was the only arts organization for African Americans). There was a man named Tom Phelps who approached me and said he wanted me to do an art show.
“Show!?” I told him. “I’m a fashion designer. I make handbags and garments! What do you want me to do? Put them up on the wall?!” He told me to figure it out, but the idea kept bothering me. I ended up reaching out to a close friend who was also at DAAP and convinced her to do the show with me – and she did. We made it work. And everybody ended up loving my art – it was wild!
Meanwhile, I really had no idea what I was doing. Folks were trying to buy my art, and I thought, “I just made that. I’m not going to sell that! I have no idea what I would even charge!” or “I can’t give this away – this is my baby, I just birthed it!” But it was unbelievable. I still have people and collectors today asking if I still have the pieces from that show around.
That show was my start as an artist. Had it not been for Tom Phelps calling the artist out in me, I probably would have stayed in handbags or just knee deep in fashion, but he opened a realm of possibilities for me, which was outstanding.
That same year, another art show opportunity came up out of Chicago and I applied for that. I had never gone through the process of filling out an application to have my artwork in a big show, but it got accepted and I ended up getting an award! So, right there, that’s how I became an artist; from fashion designer to professor, and into a place where I could say, “I am an artist.” As soon as things started to click, I’d think, “Okay, God. You want – I see the door you’re opening up for me. I’ll gladly go in.”
What led you to choose textile and mixed media above everything else?
I’ve been designing in textiles since I was young and I’ve always had an interest in all things fashion: fabric, buttons, zippers – anything that could go together to build a garment is what I went after, and I always did it through a nontraditional route. My work was always outside conventional and normal fashion – constantly looking for ways to approach it differently and make things no one has ever seen before.
In your time as a professional artist, were there any opportunities, jobs, or exhibitions that were more memorable than others? Was there one in particular that stood out?
Other than the first one, the next memorable moment was when a piece of my art was accepted into the Smithsonian. The piece is called, “Created To Be Me” – it’s about the belief that we are all born into this world and are here for an enormous purpose, whether we know it or not. We are here to give everything that we have to each other. To our families. To the world. And nothing, NOTHING should stop you from doing that. No one should let ANYBODY hold them back. So, you’re really created to be YOU. You’re unique. No one is like YOU! NO ONE will ever be like you. A twin would not be like you. So that very valuable commodity of being that original person – that original being – is fantastic!
“Created To Be Me” was originally created in response to a call from Carolyn Mazloomi through the Women of Color Quilters Network and was inspired by the United Nations Human Rights Declaration. The piece was acquired by the Smithsonian in 2022.
I read on your website that you hope to communicate a sense of diversity in the world through your art. Are there any actions or emotions that you hope to evoke? What are you hoping that viewers will walk away with after interacting with your art?
It’s very rare to have the opportunity to be present and talk to someone who is looking at your artwork. When someone can recognize some of the hard work that went into a piece and explains how it makes them feel, it’s the winning moment.
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had with this is when I taught a group of students at the Springer School. I was only an artist-in-residence there for a week, but I learned so much from those students – you would not believe it! I brought in some quilts and talked about why and how I made them, and they would respond back with their own interpretations – they immediately got what the story was about. You never get to see that – to be in the room with someone who gets your work the way that they did. Those kids were so intuitive and their responses were unbelievable. I had such an amazing experience teaching there.
Do you think that your craft has evolved over time?
Yes – in some ways. My sisters always tell me, “You were so much more creative years ago!” And she’s right! When you start, you have this crazy energy and you feel like nobody can tell you anything. Nowadays, I’m an artist with a clear focus. I’ve always been a rebel and made over-the-top art, but I had to start asking myself the right questions.
Now, I only do what God gives me and go in the direction he puts me in to do. I’m not trying to sell anymore. I want to sell, but that’s not why I’m making the art. I’m making a statement about situations in the world. Different perspectives of different people. I make art for people to learn and engage and travel through and somehow come out a little differently.
Is there a piece that you’re most proud of?
The piece that popped up in my head is “I Am Still Here.” I made it when I moved back to Cincinnati after living in New York for 13 years. Right before I left, there was a stock market crash that affected the small business I was running at the time. I had to quickly decide if I wanted to stay in the city and figure it out, or come back home and get back on my feet. But who wants to come back home? Ugh – nobody. But I did, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Remember, out of tragedy comes triumph!
“I Am Still Here” photo provided by Cynthia Lockhart
“I Am Still Here” represents me as I look into another face (and the face is representative of God – a higher power). I’m looking into this face and there’s all this beautiful opulent imagery off to the side. I wanted to communicate that I was never lost – You know what I mean? I was never lost. I’m not going to be lost at home. And I found something in coming back to Cincinnati.
What is the most fulfilling aspect of being an artist?
Having choices. Creating choices. Opening up an atmosphere for people to receive you.
As an artist, you’re really in charge of what you want to show people. When you curate your work, you have no idea if folks are going to like it or not. You have to be brave enough to believe in yourself and go for what's been given to you and move in that direction – that unexpected aspect of that is really wild, but it’s part of being an artist.
When you start worrying about whether a piece is going to sell, or when you only create to cater to a particular customer, that’s when you lose it a little bit and start thinking less as an artist. That’s when things go more into job mode. If you go for your heart, what you believe in, and what you’re inspired by, then you’re fine. Again, the unexpected aspect of it really helps drive you to do what you need to do.
Taking this more to a personal level, what fills your cup?
I have this thing where I don’t say “no” that often, so a little of everything fills up my cup. I’m a worship artist for my church, so I do altars and I’m on teams that help create environments to help people receive God.
Things that make me feel whole are sharing, giving, and opening myself up to people. Allowing God to use me in any way he can – and thank God for my art for allowing me to transition through experiences, my friendships with former students and with other artists. It’s common for artists to feel narrow, so it feels good when you’ve found friends who you can trust and will support you. Being able to share yourself is so important and that’s one of the gifts that God has given me. The gift to see art and work through life with art is an incredible gift.
Are you working on anything now?
Yes – I’m working on a couple of very large pieces for a collector that will be featured in a show in New York. The curator selected a Faith Ringold work and my work. I don’t usually make large-scale work, but I’m going for it!
Any encouraging words you’d like to share?
I think that whenever a person wants to go for what they want to go for, go after that dream, even if no one has ever thought of it. You’re thinking of it because you were CHOSEN for that and there are things to come out of it – so you must move on it. Don’t ever hesitate when you’re given that whisper that says “It’s alright to do that. I gave that gift to you so that you could give to others.” Some never use their gifts. Use your gifts. We need your gifts. Become a gift.
Who is an influential woman in your life?
Oh my gosh, my mother – she would be number one. She’s passed now, but she was the most influential person in my life. She was so tough and really advocated tough love – looking back, I appreciate her for doing that.
My mother was everything: everything fashion, everything diva, everything decorator, everything creative. She’d make matching outfits for my sister and me when we were growing up and used her passion for clothes and fashion any chance she got. Her taste level was so huge and just had a wonderful touch in everything she did.
When I moved back to Cincinnati, I took care of her during her last years, and that was incredible – to give back and be there for her. Just incredible.
Women of Cincy is a certified 501(c)3. This belongs to you. Consider supporting future stories with a donation.
Do you know an awesome Cincinnatian? Nominate them here! New features launch on Mondays.