Poets do it; songwriters do it; even greeting card authors do it. Either with their words alone, or in combination with an image, they pull at our heartstrings. They touch something within us that causes us to tear up, to bring to mind a person, a memory, or an occasion that is significant. Cynthia Webb is a California artist who plucks our heartstrings with her handcrafted fine pewter framed assemblages. “I’m inspired through the creation of what I call art that also tugs at the heart,”she says. With her enduring themes of
faith, family, and spirit; she combines a cast pewter image with just a title or phrase and evokes a memory that touches something within us.
Cynthia is formally trained in architecture but began creating original work in jewelry classes in London. For the last 25 years she has been working out of her San Diego studio and showcasing her work throughout the United States. She began with making small pieces such as pins and
ornaments, but more recently has focused on larger pieces, especially framed art. Each piece is individually signed and may be hung or displayed on a tabletop. She takes great care with both the pewter pieces and the framing.
Her collection grows each year with her designs ranging from a
woven heart to a complex angel to words of inspiration. Each design begins with a sketch which she uses as a guide as she carves the design in jeweler’s wax and then signs and titles the original. From the original a mold is made, allowing for the piece to be duplicated. Each piece is then hand-finished, oxidized and polished, and finished with a thin lacquer coating. The casting is then mounted on mat board and framed as a piece of art.
“I hope my work serves to commemorate that special person or occasion or place in our lives, that gets us closer in touch with what’s truly important, and is a source of quiet joy for those who give it as a gift, receive it, or simply bring it into their homes.” As you look at her work I am sure that at least one piece will speak to you.
Smith Galleries is located in suite J11 (second level) of the Village at Wexford at 1000 William Hilton Parkway on Hilton Head Island, SC. Gallery hours are 10 - 6 Monday through Saturday. 800.272.3870
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