Capturing the profound moments that shape our lives and honoring the shared human experience,
one painting at a time
Hello!
I’m Cindy Perlis, a mixed—media artist, illustrator, author, and advocate for healing through art.
My journey is a blend of personal loss, resilience, and deep connections, all reflected in my art. Each piece I create is a testament to the stories that have touched my life and the lives of those I’ve encountered.
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
Roots of Inspiration
My journey as an artist began in the depths of personal loss and discovery. Growing up in Chevy Chase, Maryland, my home was full of bright bold artwork collected by my mother. Losing my father at the tender age of two left a void that art helped to fill. My mother, a pillar of strength and inspiration, nurtured my creative spirit. Growing up, I found solace and expression in drawing and painting, which became a refuge from the complexities of life.
As I navigated through childhood and adolescence, art became a way to process my emotions and make sense of the world around me. My mother's support and encouragement allowed me to explore my artistic talents and develop a deep appreciation for storytelling. Her resilience and dedication to our family instilled in me the values of empathy and perseverance.
Every day, when my mother returned home from work, she would ask, "What did you create today?" This simple yet profound question fueled my passion for art and encouraged me to keep exploring and expressing myself. It reinforced the importance of creativity and solidified my commitment to becoming an artist.
About ten years ago, I was looking through a box of black-and-white photographs, hoping to find a photo of my dad and me. Since my dad had died suddenly when he was 32 and I was only two years old, I longed to see us together. To my frustration, all I could find were photos of my little girl self on a swing, dragging my blanket, in a hammock, or with my mom and sister. Then one day, I realized that my mother never owned a camera. In all the photos, the person I was looking at and smiling at was my dad, who took all the family photos in those years. There I was, smiling at my dad, who must have been smiling back at me. He was in the picture with me, after all.
The profound experiences of my early years laid the foundation for my artistic vision. They taught me the importance of capturing the fleeting moments and deep connections that define our lives.
Advocating Healing Through Art: A Journey of Compassion and Creativity
My background is in fine arts, psychology, and art history, and my career began with research in 18th and 19th Century American Painting and Sculpture at the National Museum of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
For 36 years, I had the privilege of working at UCSF, where I supported adults living and dying of AIDS and cancer. It was here that I founded the Art for Recovery program, a sanctuary where patients could express their deepest emotions through art. This experience profoundly shaped my artistic vision, allowing me to witness firsthand the resilience and courage of the human spirit. Every day, I was inspired by the stories of those I met, and my art became a tribute to their journeys.
Walking into UCSF each day, I was met with the profound stories of those navigating their most challenging moments. I often asked myself, "How can I help the patients honor their journeys by expressing their innermost feelings?" This question guided my work, pushing them to find ways to capture the essence of their experiences through art. The patients I met taught me about strength, vulnerability, and the power of human connection.
One of the most transformative moments in my career was founding the Art for Recovery program in 1988. This initiative provided a creative outlet for patients to express their emotions, fostering a sense of community and healing. The program's impact was profound, offering solace and a voice to those who felt voiceless. It also reinforced my belief in the power of art as a tool for healing and connection.
I believe, in some ways, my father’s death at such an early age informed my path in this field as I searched for meaning in what it means to be alive and what it means to die. The stories and experiences from UCSF are woven into every piece of my art. They are a constant reminder of the resilience and courage that define the human spirit. My professional journey has been one of deep learning and growth, and it inspires my work every day. Through my art, I strive to honor the incredible individuals I've met and to celebrate the shared human experience in all its complexity and beauty.
Artistic Exploration
I’m now based in the San Francisco Bay Area with a studio in the historic Sausalito, CA ICB Art Building.
My portfolio is a collection of human experiences, brought together through memories and emotions. Each series in my work represents a chapter of my life and the lives of those who have touched me. The If They Had Lived and Grown Old honors the AIDS patients I supported at UCSF, imagining how they might have aged and the paths their lives could have taken. The Where Are We Going? series captures the frenetic energy of airport terminals, exploring the stories of travelers and drawing parallels to my own journeys. During the isolation of the pandemic, the Mourning in America allowed me to reflect on fear, hope, and resilience during the COVID pandemic. A Renaissance Woman - My Mother delves into my personal journey of coping with grief and understanding my past, while the Life Drawings celebrate the beauty and complexity of the human form.
To me, art is more than a visual expression; it is a journey into the depths of our shared human experience.
My work is steeped in personal reflection, fueled by the incredible stories I’ve encountered and the profound experiences that have shaped my life.
Through my art, I hope to create a space where viewers can reflect on their journeys and find solace and connection in the shared stories of humanity.