Draft:Cindy Bouwers
Cindy Bouwers | |
|---|---|
| Born | Cindy Stronks September 11, 1962 |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Style | Oil painting |
| Website | https://www.cindybouwers.com/ |
Cindy Bouwers (born Cindy Stronks; September 11, 1962) is a Dutch-Canadian artist, whose artistic practice is primarily focused on landscape painting.[1][2] Based in Calgary, Alberta, Bouwers' work is noted for its portrayal of natural environments, often exploring the interplay of light, form, and abstraction. She has garnered recognition for her work, including receiving the Duggan Landscape Award from the Society of Canadian Artists.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Born in Picture Butte, Alberta, Bouwers developed an early interest in both art and design, which would shape her subsequent academic and professional trajectory. She pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual Communication Design, a discipline that merges the conceptual aspects of fine art with practical design applications. This academic training laid the groundwork for her early career as a graphic designer, while also providing her with a foundational understanding of visual aesthetics that would later inform her painting practice.
Graphic design
[edit]During the 1980s, Bouwers held a position at the University of Alberta's Department of Art & Design, where she played an integral role in institutional visual identity projects. Her work contributed to the consolidation of branding efforts through the University of Alberta's Visual Identity Program, which sought to standardize the university’s publications and promotional materials. This phase of her career reflects her interdisciplinary expertise, bridging design and art in a professional capacity.[4]
Before fully transitioning to painting, Bouwers’ career in graphic design was distinguished by her innovative contributions to visual communication.[5] Working within academic and corporate contexts, Bouwers specialized in the strategic application of design principles to branding and visual identity. Among her most prominent projects was the redesign of registration publications for the University of Alberta, as part of a broader initiative to standardize and elevate the institution's visual communication efforts.[6] Bouwers’ graphic design career exemplifies her ability to navigate between functional design and artistic expression, a versatility that would later become a hallmark of her artistic practice.[7]
Painting
[edit]In 2006, Bouwers experienced a pivotal shift in her career when she began teaching design at the Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts, formerly Alberta College of Art and Design). It was during this period that she rekindled her passion for painting, a medium she had long been drawn to but had not previously pursued full-time. Inspired by her interactions with students and colleagues in the fine arts, Bouwers made the transition from graphic design to painting, dedicating herself to the exploration of landscapes as her primary subject matter.
Bouwers' paintings are characterized by their nuanced approach to light, atmosphere, and spatial depth. Her work often straddles the boundary between representation and abstraction, with compositions that distill the natural world into geometric shapes and patterns, reflecting her background in design. By capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and its effects on landscapes, Bouwers seeks to evoke a sense of shared experience, inviting the viewer to connect with moments of beauty, recognition, and hope.[8]
Exhibitions
[edit]Bouwers' work has been featured in numerous group and solo exhibitions across Canada, reflecting her growing prominence in the national art scene. Her paintings have been exhibited in galleries in Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto, where they have been well-received by critics and collectors alike. In 2024, Bouwers participated in several high-profile exhibitions, including the Calgary Artists Studio Tour, the Airdrie Visual Art Market, and the Riverview Artists Showcase, where her works were prominently displayed alongside those of other established artists.[9][10]
One of Bouwers' most significant achievements was winning the Duggan Landscape Award, conferred by the Society of Canadian Artists. This award, which recognizes excellence in landscape painting, is a testament to her technical skill and artistic vision. Her work is also represented in online galleries, including the ArtMatch Online Gallery, further extending her reach to a broader audience.[11]
In addition to her individual practice, Bouwers is actively engaged in the Calgary arts community. She is the current president of the Riverview Artists Group, where she plays a leadership role in organizing exhibitions, mentoring emerging artists, and fostering collaboration among local creatives. Her involvement in these organizations demonstrates her commitment to contributing to the cultural fabric of her community.[12][13][14]
Personal Life
[edit]Bouwers' personal life has also intersected with her professional journey in various ways. In 2007, she was interviewed by the Calgary Herald for a feature on parenting, where she discussed the balance between her career and family life.[15][16] This public acknowledgment of her role as both an artist and a parent highlights the multifaceted nature of her identity. Currently, Bouwers resides in the Calgary area, where she continues to create and exhibit.[15]
References
[edit]- ^ Baek, Ann (2018-11-05). ""A Day in the Life" with Calgary artist Cindy Bouwers". Calgary Guardian. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- ^ "Gallery Opens Fall Display". The Sunny South News. September 22, 2009. p. 8. ProQuest 443645043.
- ^ "Cindy Bouwers". Calgary Artists Studio Tour. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "Read All About It". Folio. March 27, 1986.
- ^ "Redesign of Registration Publications One of First Initiatives of Visual Identity Group". Folio. April 23, 1987. p. 3.
- ^ Lank, Cathie (October 24, 1991). "Advertising Industry Embraces Graphic Art". The Gauntlet. p. 18.
- ^ Jungkind, Walter (February 1986). University of Alberta Publication Standards Guide. Edmonton: University of Alberta Press. pp. 12–13, 18–22, 24–26. OCLC 123958527.
- ^ Locke, Laura (2013-10-28). "Featured Artist: Cindy Bouwers". Kolbe Times. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- ^ Calver, Brent (March 17, 2021). "Foothills Gallery Announces New Exhibits". Western Wheel. p. 43.
- ^ "Airdrie Artists: Airdrie Virtual Art Market". Airdrie Life. 2024.
- ^ "Cindy Bouwers | ArtMatch Online Gallery". artmatch.ca. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
- ^ "Cindy Bouwers Alberta born Airdrie abstract artist". Calgary Artists Studio Tour. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "Airdrie Artists: Airdrie Virtual Art Market". airdrielife magazine. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ "Riverview Artists Showcase: Flow". cSPACE Marda Loop. Retrieved 2024-09-20.
- ^ a b Bouwers, Cindy (2022-04-23). "Balance in Life and Art". Kolbe Times. Retrieved 2022-11-25.
- ^ Locke, Laura (January 25, 2007). "Chores Help Kids Connect To Families". Calgary Herald. p. N13.