ARTIST'S STATEMENT:
“I have been an artist as long as I can remember,” says Cindy Lowy Fess, who loves the creative process and exploring avenues of artistic expression. "I enjoy experimenting with different mediums and tools in the creative process. I am most happy and fulfilled when I create something and watch my artisitc vision come to life. It is a joy to create something that is inspiring and uplifting.”
FACTS: Cindy is a juried member of the following organizations:
Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen
Kentucky Craft Marketing Program
Southern Artistry.org
AWARD RECIPIENT-- Cindy was recognized during the 25th Silver Anniversary Market Awards dinner, Friday, March 2, 2007 as part of Kentucky Crafted: The Market 2007, at the Kentucky Fair & Exposition Center, Louisville.
In recognition of long-term dedication to personal craft development and an exemplary level of accomplishment, Cindy Lowy (Cindy Lowy Fess) has been designated a Kentucky Crafted Emeritus honoree and granted lifetime honorary juried participant status by the Kentucky Craft Marketing, (KCM) a program of the Kentucky Arts Council.
ABOUT CINDY: I have been an artist since I was six, and began making jewelry as a teenager. I started selling my jewelry and art professionally in 1981, first to friends and fellow teachers where I was a public school art teacher. Along the way, I gained additional experience in jewelry making and repair at a Louisville jewelry repair shop.
In 1987, while pregnant with my son, I started my jewelry business full time selling at art shows and in galleries. Keeping my customers happy has been my priority and they have taught me so much about what they want and need. I really do listen, and some of my best designs have been inspired by my customers' requests for custom designs.
My love of color and detail is evident not only in my paintings, but also in my jewelry collections. I love creating things of beauty because beautiful things, whether displayed on a wall or worn on the body inspire and uplift us.
ABOUT CINDY'S JEWELRY:
Cindy L. Fess is renowned for creating handcrafted, effortlessly chic gemstone jewelry that is modern and timeless, versatile and luxurious, as well as whimsical jewelry that is original and fun to wear.
I began my professional jewelry making in 1981 after taking a metalsmithing class. I started out making gold and silver jewelry using the lost wax casting method. I enjoyed this magical process....making a tiny form from wax, then using molds and molten metal to create three dimensional one-of-a-kind jewelry designs.
From there, I experimented briefly making porcelain jewelry when I was an art teacher at East Haddam Elementary in East Haddam, CT in the mid-eighties. It was great fun to make jewelry from porcelain clay, bake it in a kiln, then paint it!
A few years later, I experimented with paper and leather. I dyed pieces of watercolor paper in my washing machine, dried them, then formed them into gorgeous colroful flowery shaped pins and earrings. I also painted pieces of leather and formed them into unique shapes by gluing them onto small stiff paperboard and leather, then added crystals and rhinestones My customers still have them and wear them all these years later!
In 1988, I exhibited my jewelry at the New York International Gift Show. My son was an infant at the time. I was inspired by a jeweler from Europe who made anodized aluminum jewelry. I researched how to do it, and began dying the aluminum and forming it into my own original designs. I sold it for many years, and still make it. I have two lines: my Whimsical jewelry and my Classics Collection. It is the perfect metal for jewelry--lightweight, hypoallergenic and never tarnishes.
In 2007 I began making gemstone jewelry wrapped in wire. I love working with natural stones. This type of jewelry allows me to create one-of-a-kinds. I allow the shape and color of the stones to influence the design. I find that by spreading out some stones, beads and crystals on my workbench that the design simply unfolds. As I wrap the stone and twist the wire, it is almost as if the wire wants to go a certain way in order to embrace the stone(s) and crystals so that the pendant will make a certain statement. I use the wire and crystals to enhance the featured stone(s), not overpower it.
CUSTOM DESIGNS: I do a lot of custom design work and have created jewelry for local celebrities and national ones, including author Sylvia Browne.
ABOUT MY ART: I specialize in acrylic, watercolor, color pencil on paper, and sometimes oil. I have also done large paintings, murals and f aux finishes.
ABOUT MY WRITING: I have written two books so far, Harmony and Me (Chicago Spectrum Press), and another book yet to be published.
ABOUT MY FAMILY: I come from an artistic, musical family. My father, the later Homer C. Ledford, was a well-known luthier. He made over 6,000 musical instruments, mostly the mountain dulcimer, as well as guitars, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, violins, and several he invented, including the dulcitar, which are in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. He had a bluegrass band, "Homer Ledford and the Cabin Creek Band." He also wrote a book, "See Ya Further Up the Creek," which I illustrated.
My mother, Colista Ledford, is very creative and she taught me how to sew, and how to make something out of scraps and found objects. She also was instrumental in encouraging my creativity.
My siblings, Mark, Julia, and Mattie all play musical instruments, although they did not choose it for their careers. I grew up playing clarinet, piano, and singing in the church choir.
INSPIRATION: My inspiration comes from the mundane to the spectatular, including my travels to other countries, some of the most memorable being Bali, Indonesia, Switzerland, Dubrovnik, and Mexico. Other artists and designers inspire me as well. I keep a sketchbook filled with clippings of pictures that inspire me along with my sketches and notes.
MUSIC: My husband, Michael Fess, is a constant source of inspiration. He is a very talented composer and musician. We record meditation albums together....my voice, his original music. His music relaxes and inspires me at the same time.
Cindy Lowy Fess-
Kentucky Artist, Jeweler, Author, Speaker, Teacher
Meet Cindy Lowy Fess—
Born and raised in the "heart of the Bluegrass," Winchester, KY, Cindy moved to Louisville in 1981 and began making jewelry and art professionally. She has sold her work in shows nationwide, and has been a featured guest numerous times on television and radio.
Cindy enjoys the artisitic process. This creative spirit unleashes the artist’s muse in multiple media. Also an accomplished writer and speaker, Lowy Fess’ talents stem from family roots. The works of her famous father, the late Homer C. Ledford, a bluegrass and folk musician, legendary dulcimer maker and inventor of musical instruments, are currently part of a special exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution.
Following his path, Lowy Fess has participated in the 2004 Gallopalooza and 2009 Gallopalooza, Louisville, Kentucky's civic pride project that features brightly painted, life-size horses; authored a self-help book, Harmony and Me; has several guided meditation albums to her credit; and designed handcrafted jewelry worn by celebrities. Her art has graced the covers of numerous publications, as well as public institutions and private business and homes.
Cindy also facillitates workshops and retreats as well as leads guided meditations and self-help classes with her husband, composer/musician, Michael Fess. www.GetHarmonyNow.com
TESTIMONIALS:
Jewelry Commission for Sylvia Browne, noted author and psychic
"Dear Cindy, I wanted to send a special thank you to you for creating such a beautiful pendant for me. Your selection was perfect and your talent equally so. May God bless you always.
Love, Sylvia Browne." (renowned author, psychic, speaker)
"My favorite items on my jewelry tray are the Cindy Lowy Fess earrings! I have been a fan of Cindy's jewelry for many years and always get compliments every time I wear it. I love my 'wearable art' by Cindy... Not only is it unique, eye-catching, lightweight and well-made, it is also great fun to wear! ~Pat Mueller, Louisville, KY
"It is a beautiful piece and everytime I wear it I get great praises Thank you so much.
Your pieces are wonderful!!!
Blessing, Wendy
Hi Cindy, I came across your Abundance Mandala while looking at abundance images. I wanted to share my feelings on how much I LOVE this work. It is simply beautiful! And this is coming from someone who is an artist and was an Art History major at Cal . J
This is fantastic! Sending you my best wishes, ~Lisa Tunney
Writer, Reiki Master, Spiritual Life Coach www.serenitylifestyle.com
Please visit my other store: www.GetHarmonyNow.com
