Before the Instagram trend of photographing food and snippets of everyday life, oil painters captured the delicate and underappreciated beauty of fruit, dripping candlesticks, and tables full of flowers in vases. was paying homage to
Boulder-based artist Cindi Yaklich, who studied art at CU at the age of 18, takes a poignant shot at the mundane in stunning paintings that blend elegance with a touch of mystery.
From plump violet plums to delicate cherry blossoms emerging from a vessel, Yakulichi’s subject matter is vibrant and speaks to themes of growth and nutrition.
Her detailed work is rich in shadows and light, sheen and luster, and offers the same realistic quality as the artists who stepped onto canvas many years ago. Reminiscent of Ward’s esteemed work.
Lush cherries, drooping tulips, pitchers of lemonade, sliced citrus, and cracked eggs swirl throughout her calming creations, leaving viewers to call for help with juicy grapes and ripe peaches. You may be just fighting your desires.
Her works are timeless and placeless and have a universal quality. A plate of sliced produce could be on your neighbor’s coffee table today, or centuries ago in a royal parlor in an exotic land far away.
While most of her work pays tribute to gastronomic wonders and the comforts of the kitchen and home, the natural landscape scenes, from the iconic Boulder Flatiron to the streets of Italy and the coast of Morocco, are also beautiful. portraying.
Her work is not without humor either. In “LamTamTwo”, a sheep in a crimson beret sticks out its tongue playfully.
After a decades-long career in graphic design, she talks about her re-leap to the medium of painting, wanting her work to add to buyers’ spaces, and being a part of it. We asked creatives about what they love most. The New Local, a non-profit collective of Boulder’s all-female artists.
Karen McCourt: What made you want to break away from graphic design and embrace the art of painting?
Cindy Yakrich: I have loved drawing since I was a child. I was shy and knew I needed to make a consistent living. The need to bring art to galleries and the desire to sell it didn’t seem to fit the bill. Instead, I chose graphic design as a ‘safer’ career path. However, the gnawing feeling grew stronger and stronger, and I thought I had to go back to studying art seriously. We hit it off seven years ago. My only regret is that I didn’t take it sooner. Embracing painting made me a happier and more satisfied person.
KM: Love your subject diversity. What is the process like and how do you choose what to capture on your canvas?
Year: I am a 21st century realist artist who focuses on the art of objects using traditional oil paints on fine Belgian linen canvas. The paintings range from white-on-white still lifes to movement of light across the page, historical narratives, and commentary on social statements. And there are times when I only draw what I think is beautiful.
I don’t paint for relevance or make statements other than the beauty found in the objects I choose to paint, but I always have an intention with each painting. In this modern world, we care too little about the beauty around us. Painting is to remember what you think is important and beautiful, and to experience the process of painting what you choose. For me, still life is about finding beauty, power and history in simple, everyday objects.
With millions of ideas, it can be difficult to decide what you want to draw. I am greatly influenced by what is around me and what I am feeling in the moment. Once the rough concept is solidified, I collect and arrange the objects. The actual setup often takes hours. A lot of the time I want to do some quick research to solve composition and color issues that make me want to spend time on this image. After toning the canvas (I give it a wash to get rid of the white canvas), I sketch my ideas on the canvas with charcoal. And then I paint.
Lately, I’ve been playing with figurative things and the space behind paintings. And sometimes I love to wander and draw animals, cars, or landscapes.I think art is very rich and full of ideas and intentions. I don’t have enough time.
KM: What do you hope your piece will add to a collector’s home?
Year: I hope my work brings you moments of serenity, peace and joy because I feel that my work brings me a sense of calmness.
KM: How did you come to sell your work on The New Local, and what is the most rewarding part about joining this group of all-female producers?
Year: I saw an offer for The New Local. I’m glad I applied. It’s hard to describe, but the place has a cool and inclusive vibe. I walked out with a big smile on my face and felt so special to be a part of it.
Then I witnessed the magical transformation of the space and the wonderful curation work. Each and every artist’s work is so wonderful. We believe it gives everyone a special place to shine. In the art world, it’s still difficult for female artists to be noticed and paid equally, so it’s great to have galleries that focus on women.
KM: What’s next artistically this year? Do you have any future goals or solutions you want to achieve?
Year: I’m looking forward to next year. I always enjoy making them. I work on a series of paintings and work towards an exhibition. I have also done some large scale paintings and will continue to do so. And we want to see and see as much beauty as possible in the mundane things around us. Continue to grow and explore, art is never ending. I have a note on my easel—”I will never get there, so I enjoy my journey.”
