Cynthia 'Cyn' Rodriguez Interview | Respect the Artist
My name is Cynthia Rodriguez and I've always wanted to use my words to connect with people. At some point I realized I could paint and fell in love with neon colors. For over a decade I've created paintings and poetry and have performed all over NYC, Philly, DC, and Miami. I've had my painting hung in galleries in Staten Island and Brooklyn and look forward to expanding into other spaces.
Artist Name
Cyn
How did you get your Artist name?
I used to use the pseudonym C.S. Minor but eventually felt that using a shortened version of my name was best for me.
How did you get into creating?
I guess I've always been creating instinctively, but it wasn't until 7th grade that I realized I could submit my poems and drawings to contests and publications. In 1997, I won a NY Daily News Poetry contest after my English teacher submitted my poetry and only told me about it as he was presenting the award letter. Needless to say he awakened something in me.
Where are you from?
Currently, I live in Staten Island but I've lived in every borough. I've also lived in Puerto Rico and Florida. A gypsy soul with roots buried in NYC.
How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?
Since we moved a lot I don't really have ties to any one neighborhood or area, which sometimes leaves me feeling as if I don't truly belong anywhere. This does afford me a resilience that allows me to thrive anywhere. I can live in the city but will thrive on a farm in the country, or even in a remote town on a tropical island. Growing up in different locales I think has been influential in expanding my horizons. I'm eager to try things, meet people, and learn everywhere I go.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
Kept working at it. In May 2020, I acquired my degree in Creative writing. Learned to accept feedback without being offended, while also learning to provide critique without being arrogant or rude. Started attending seminars, workshops, and open mics, and next thing I knew I had the courage to get on the mic. I never gave up on performing even after bombing a set, never took a no from a publisher personally. Basically, I learned to ride the coaster and have fun with it. In this industry, there's always going to be opinions and we can't let anyone's opinion of us become our truth. We just have to keep doing what we love, which is creating! When it comes to art I'm self-taught and continue to try new techniques on my own. My art is mostly abstract and I like to do "ambidextrous drawings." I have a few pieces that were shown at galleries in Brooklyn, and in Snug Harbour in Staten Island. I look forward to developing my skills and expanding more as an artist.
What does your current setup look like?
My "studio" is usually my bedroom, or any corner of my home that is quiet at that moment. When it comes to writing I mostly free-write and then edit and format. When it comes to painting I basically create space anywhere the easel will fit. I use mostly acrylic paints and markers and everything makes glows in the dark. I have a thing for neon and love to work under blacklight. Time-lapse help me showcase the painting process and create reels to show off my creations.
Who inspires you?
Everyone and everything. I know it sounds corny but I really do get inspired by watching people. A small child delighting in the sight of a butterfly, a dad running to hug their child, an older couple feeding the birds; all of that inspires me. I'm a bit of a nerd so learning the science of things and how they work also inspires me. There really is so much beauty, drama, and serenity around us. We just have to take a second to stop, look, and feel the energy that surrounds us; then transmute that into something wonderful.
What is your goal when you create?
To inspire someone else.
Why do you create?
I don't think I can really answer that... why do you breathe? It's just instinctive. It's just something that feels natural.
How has choosing your creative path affected your life?
Growing up I was always pushed into practical ways of living. Having a secure job had to be more important than what I really wanted to do. But I've learned that there is a market for art in all forms and that there are ways to be able to make an honest living while doing what I truly love. Which is connecting with people, creating and discussing artistry, and aspiring to help others thrive. Choosing the creative path has helped me feel while and so I wholeheartedly hope to share that with others.
Did you have to overcome any obstacles along the way?
I think the biggest obstacle was getting over "imposter syndrome." The nagging feeling that I didn't belong cause maybe I was good enough, or quitting on my goals cause I felt I wouldn't accomplish them anyway. I had to learn that I was blocking my own blessings by not believing in myself and not following through. Had to learn that I had to have confidence in myself before I could ever expect anyone else to have it for me. Then once I gained the confidence I had to remind myself to be humble and then started putting in the work to show off my creations.
What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?
Russ- Put you on the game. It's quick and catchy with lyrics aimed at hyping the listener up to do right by themselves. "Let me put you on the game, don't listen to people who lose or you'll do the same. Stop talking to people who don't give a F**k what you're saying... stop pointing the finger and start taking some of the blame." It reminds us to take accountability for our actions focus more on our own plans and not worry about how anyone else says we need to do it. There's always going to be people who try to tell you they know the best way but the best way for them may not be best for you. So pay attention to who you surround yourself with and don't allow yourself to be persuaded by anyone, especially not someone who isn't doing anything with their own talent/skill.
What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?
To own a community center/after-school program so there will always be a safe space for people to thrive artistically.
What would you tell someone else with a dream?
It's not enough to dream it... you have to actively work towards making those dreams a reality. Learn to take advice and critique without letting it completely change who you are. Never stop trying. "Your only limitation is your inability to supersede your capabilities." Try everything, and if you fail then try again; stop limiting yourself! It's ok to try something, realize it's not your thing, and try something new. Just keep trying!
Tell us about your most recent release
I've been working on completing a book to publish by early 2024. Don't want to say too much just yet but I'll be talking about that more in the near future.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/cyn.is.cyn?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA==
Website: http://www.createdbycyn.com
Photography credit: Photo of me with hands up Douglas Cala August 2023
Photo of the art alone by Cyn
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