About Cynthia jarest

Art, for me, is a multifaceted journey—a source of joy, a form of therapy, and a meditative practice. The process of creation, whether it results in a masterpiece or an experiment, is inherently valuable as a path to personal growth and expression.

My artistic vision is deeply rooted in my Colorado upbringing, where the majestic Rocky Mountains have been a constant source of inspiration. Through my work, I aim to capture the essence of my adventures in hiking, camping, skiing, and snowshoeing, translating breath-taking vistas into tangible artworks that connect viewers with the raw beauty of nature.

My creative process begins with photography, freezing moments that captivate my eye. These images serve as a springboard for my art, which may manifest as literal interpretations or abstract explorations. I'm drawn to deep, jewel-toned colors that reflect my inner vision of the world.

Fabric and thread are my primary media, serving as my paint and brush. This unique approach allows me to infuse my work with texture and dimension beyond the capabilities of traditional paint. I often create my own fabrics through hand-dyeing, painting, and stamping techniques. My palette extends beyond textiles to include acrylic paint, colored pencils, alcohol inks, and even unconventional materials like dryer sheets and paper. This diverse array of elements comes together in my pieces, weaving a rich tapestry of color, pattern, and texture that invites viewers to explore and connect with the natural world as I see it.

Biography 

A Journey in Art and Creativity

Cyndi Jarest, a lifelong maker and artist based in Denver, Colorado, has explored various creative mediums throughout her life. Her artistic journey began with macramé, beading, painting, and pottery, but it was fiber art that eventually captured her heart.

After graduating from Metropolitan State University with a marketing degree, Cyndi worked in advertising agencies' media departments. However, motherhood reignited her passion for creativity, leading her back to quilt making, which she had briefly explored in her early twenties.

As her skills developed, Cyndi's work evolved from traditional quilting to innovative fiber art and mixed media creations. She continually pushes her boundaries, embracing new techniques and materials with enthusiasm. Her dedication and artistic growth have earned her several awards for her fiber and mixed media pieces.

Currently, Cyndi's work is exhibited in galleries along Colorado's Front Range. She is an active member of the Studio Art Quilts Associates (SAQA), Front Range Contemporary Quilters (FRCQ), and the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum (RMQM).

Cyndi's artistic journey reflects her commitment to lifelong learning and her joy in the creative process. She continues to evolve as an artist, always eager to step outside her comfort zone and explore new artistic horizons.

Exhibits

January 1-December 31, 2024, FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio”Denver, CO

January 5-February 7, 2024, St. Andrews Church “Connections” Highlands Ranch, CO

November 11, 2023-January 26, 2024, R Gallery “Small Works Holiday Market” Boulder, CO

June 7-July 16, 2023, R Gallery “Colorful Colorado” Boulder, CO

April 26-June 4, 2023, R Gallery “NOW: Colorado Creatives Unleashed” Boulder, CO

May 1-May31, 2023, Koelbel Gallery “Threads of Inspiration” Centennial, CO

April 21-May 7, 2023, Next Gallery “Portfolio” Denver, CO

February 18-March 4, 2023 Next Gallery “Casa Bonita Art Show” Lakewood, CO

February 17-February 19, 2023 Life in the West Art Gallery “Life in the West” Broomfield, CO

January 14-February 25, 2023 Curtis Center for the Arts SAQA Regional “WILD!” Greenwood Village, CO

January 1-December 31, 2023 FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio” Denver, CO

October 17, 2022-January 14, 2023 RM Quilt Museum “Compliments to the Chef” Golden, CO

September 2-September 11, 2022 Louisville Center for the Arts “National Fine Art Show” Louisville, CO

July 19-August 27, 2022 The Depot Gallery “38th All Colorado Art Show” Littleton, CO

June 25-September 17, 2022 Brigham City Museum SAQA Regional “WILD!” Brigham City, UT

June 1-July 28, 2022 Parker Art Center FRCQ “Transformation” Parker, CO

May 13-June 2, 2022 Lincoln Gallery “2022 National Art Show” Loveland, CO

January 30-December 31, 2022 FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio 2022” Denver, CO

June 11-July 17, 2021 Art Center of Estes Park “FACE of Fiber” Estes Park, CO  

May 26-June 27, 2021 R Gallery “Textile/Fiber Fine Art” Boulder, CO

January 1-December 30, 2021 FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio 2021” Denver, CO

January 1-December 30, 2020 FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio 2020” Denver, CO

July 11-July 28, 2019 Floris United Methodist Church “Sacred Threads” Herndon, VA

June 28-September 30, 2019 Foothills Art Center “Evolving Perceptions” Golden, CO

January 1-December 30, 2019 FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio 2019” Denver, CO

August 14-September 23, 2018 The Collective Community Arts Center “Boundaries” Lafayette, CO

June 2018 – Travel Exhibit “Border Wall Quilt Project”   

May 3-July 9, 2018 FRCQ Parker Arts Center “Contrast” Parker, CO

January 1-December 30, 2018 FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio 2018” Denver, CO

September 1-October 28, 2017 NCAR “Diversity” Boulder, CO  

June 6-August 30, 2017 Red Rocks Community College “Reflections” Lakewood, CO

January 25-December 30, 2017 FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio 2017” Denver, CO

July 1, 2016-September 30, 2016 Laramie Art Quilters “Abstracting the West” Laramie, WY

June 2, 2016-7/20/16 Parker Art Center “Fiber Innovations II” Parker, CO

January 25-December 30, 2016 FRCQ Website Banner “Portfolio 2016” Denver, CO

January 22, 2016-March 26, 2016 Lakewood Cultural Center “Above and Beyond”   Lakewood, CO SAQA Regional

June 1, 2015-August 30, 2015 Karma Gallery Pearl Street Denver, CO

May 1, 2015-May 1, 2016 SAQA Regional SAQA Website Banner NM/CO/UT

July 11, 2014-September 2, 2014 TACTile Gallery “Small Visions/Big Voice” Denver, CO

June-August 2012 Rodeo Gallery “Home is Where the Heart Is” Westminster, CO

Organizations

Front Range Contemporary Quilters (FRCQ) New Skills Coordinator 2013-2015 Communications 2016-2018

Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA)

Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum (RMQM)