Cynthia Handel’s work explores the relationship between organic and inorganic forms. She derives inspiration from everyday objects such as tables, vessels, seedpods and other organic and architectural structures.
Handel notes, “Examining my work, I realize I work intuitively, creating elements, collecting parts that reflect what and how I see and respond to my surroundings, my hands move across the surfaces making marks and patterns”.
Process and materials are as significant to Cynthia. Through casting, welding, carving, and building – each piece is the result of multiple layers of decision-making.
Elements are added, subtracted, and re-worked to create these rich surfaces. Complex surface treatments, textures are my way of recording gestures, memories and movements,” Handel explains.
“Handel chooses materials that exist on opposite polarities - the permanence of steel and bronze contrast with the fragile delicacy of beeswax, silk and salt. Our shared ideas of the intrinsic qualities of materials, such as touch, smell, sheen, taste, provide a way for the viewer to share in her experience.” — Carin Adams, Oakland Museum curator.
*Resume available upon request
“100 Percent Natural, Cynthia Handel’s sculptures explore humanized nature.”
— DeWitt Cheng, East Bay Express, Arts Section
“Her odd but minimalist sculptures include her interpretation of nearby countryside, fashioned into an art form.”
— Dhyana Levey, Merced Sun-Star, Arts Section