Conversations with Cyndy Hinkelman-Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyndy Hinkelman-Smith.

Hi Cyndy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Following in the footsteps of my creative mother and father, I’ve always felt a deeply-rooted creative energy in my life. My life has been filled with artistic pursuits, including photography, jewelry making during high school, assisting my husband with building projects, and exploring a range of other creative outlets, ultimately leading to my current art practice.

My passion for painting ignited in 2012 during an Intuitive Abstract Painting workshop at Chautauqua in Boulder. Coincidentally, my father had entered hospice the night before the workshop. It’s hard to explain, but that weekend I felt a powerful surge of emotion and energy flow through me—an unmistakable sign that painting was a path I needed to explore and pursue. My artistic journey continues to be both inspired by and a tribute to my parents’ ingenuity.

Exploring and creating paintings and mixed media work is often my meditation, my therapy, and one of my greatest joys. Always curious and eager to grow and learn, I cherish participating in art workshops and classes to refine my skills. A highlight of my creative voyage was attending an artist retreat in a charming medieval village in France in 2022—an experience that profoundly enriched my artistic spirit. Captivated by the beauty, history, and countryside surrounding me, it was truly a magical experience.

I create in my delightful, detached studio, previously a horse stable, which is just steps from my residence where I reside with my husband and our two dogs. Just 15 minutes east of Boulder, our enchanting 5 acres encompasses awe-inspiring natural beauty and wildlife—bald eagles, hawks, owls, blue herons (and many other bird species!), coyotes, foxes, rabbits, and even bobcats and deer. It is a truly magical and inspirational place to live and work. I also enjoy hosting friends, classes, art events, and open studio tours in this special space. The door’s always open to visitors.

Connecting with and collaborating on exhibitions with other artists is deeply meaningful to me. I value the shared creative energy and the sense of community that arises from working together toward a collective vision. Beyond the studio and gallery, I’m passionate about contributing to community projects—whether it’s painting fiberglass bears, birdhouses, or benches for Colorado Chautauqua fundraisers, donating pieces to other local fundraisers, or facilitating creative workshops that invite others to explore their own artistic voices. These experiences ground my practice in purpose and remind me of art’s power to connect, uplift, and inspire.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My artistic journey has remained deeply fulfilling, though not without its challenges. The greatest hurdle has been carving out uninterrupted time to create — life outside the studio is full, and balancing those demands requires constant intention. Yet, even amidst the busyness, my commitment to making art endures.

Additionally, the art world around me has shifted post COVID. Local galleries I have exhibited my work in — including a prominent space on Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall — have closed their doors or significantly scaled back. This has encouraged me to seek out new, sometimes unconventional venues to share my work. It’s an ongoing process of reinvention.
Thankfully, I’m not navigating this path alone. I’m supported by a deeply valued community of collectors, friends, and fellow creatives who fuel my creative spirit and remind me why I continue to make art — even when the road curves unexpectedly.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In recent years, I’ve been drawn more deeply into abstract and collage work, approaching these mediums with curiosity and a desire to explore meaning through process. I’m energized by the freedom they offer—inviting me to ask, What is possible? This exploration has become a path to deeper self-expression and reflection.

I work in a variety of mediums including acrylic paint, ink, artist crayons, markers, pencils, and collage. I love to build depth through shapes and textures and an array of tools. I often draw inspiration from nature—landscapes, water, sky, aspen trees—as well as animals, birds, and the quiet beauty of simple things like old barns and trucks. My unique interpretation comes to life on the canvas or wood panel, and often tells a layered story. Each piece unfolding as a soulful journey.

I’m especially excited about an upcoming collaboration with two fellow artists and friends. Together, we are developing a project where each of us will create original work inspired by selected pieces of music. In response to current world events and a shifting political landscape, our intention is to express heartfelt, soulful emotions through our chosen mediums—translating sound into visual storytelling.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Raised in beautiful and vibrant Boulder from the age of four, I proudly consider myself a true Colorado native, and without a doubt a mountain girl at heart. I find inspiration and peace in the outdoors, whether I’m hiking, skiing, camping, or rafting. Nature has always been a vital part of who I am and the work I create. I feel fortunate to enjoy all that Boulder has to offer and its exceptional quality of life including the Pearl Street Mall, farmer’s market, restaurants, art festivals, and so much more.

I also love the energy of Denver, and appreciate the fantastic restaurants, museums, galleries, festivals, concerts, and culture it offers. I find it progressive and constantly evolving — a city with a growing heart. While I cherish all that Denver offers, I also hold hope that our community can find long-term, compassionate solutions for our unhoused population. Another dream of mine is to finally see the regional train system along the Front Range come to life — something we voted for years ago and is sorely need.

Pricing:

• Visit my website for pricing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.cyndyhinkelmansmith.com
• Instagram: @cyndyhinkelmansmith_art.
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cyndy.hinkelmansmith