Cynthia Alderdice Bio

Throughout her artistic pursuit, Cynthia Alderdice, has always looked to the past while embracing the future. Be it in her use of traditional methods, drawing on the symbolism of Tibet and Kuba design, or using the technology of the time, she is able to merge new and old to create something that elicits an emotional experience for the viewer.
Alderdice’s paintings use a variety of materials including acrylics, oils, encaustic wax, pastel and are painted on canvas and artist made paper. Her use of the handmade paper mounted on board allows even the edges of the image to be an important element. By applying a pulp painting technique for underpainting, Alderdice looks to create a more dimensional image for her carved woodblock prints, giving them a painterly quality and feel. The color etchings are achieved by the intaglio techniques of drypoint, etched lines, and aquatint; she then varies the viscosity of inks and roller hardness to create a layered print.
Cynthia Alderdice received her BA from the University of Texas and in 1963, discovered her passion for the arts. She studied painting, papermaking, bookmaking, color printmaking techniques and intaglio, photography, faux painting, and classical jewelry. In 1966 she founded American Art Associates, a successful arts school and arts supply enterprise located in Bethesda, MD, later adding four picture framing facilities in MD and VA. In 1994 she moved her business and art studio to Annapolis, MD.
She taught decoupagé, Art of the Painted Finish, papermaking, printmaking and classical jewelry. She also has been a lifelong supporter of the local art community and organizations such as the Maryland Federation of Art and Pyramid Atlantic, where she served as a board member and president. Alderdice exhibited her art in numerous solo and group shows from 1981-2004. Her works hang in many private and corporate collections throughout the US, Europe and Australia.

Cynthia Alderdice Statement

My paintings and woodcut prints have evolved from many deep and varied experiences. Some of the symbols and iconic language have African origins, however, the more underlying messages come from a mystical Tibetan heritage.
The Tibetan interest began in 1984 when I traveled to Tibet, known as “The Roof of the World.” At that time only 1500 visitors had made the grueling trek. All of the images and symbolism of the Tibetan people have been stored in my memory for this wonderfully inspiring journey. My art, the vehicle.
It is important for me to convey my work on handmade paper, working in large formats. I make the paper by cooking Kozo fiber, beating it and forming it into large sheets for pulp painting and woodcut images. Pulp painting the color as an underpainting for the carved woodblock, creates a more dimensional and painterly look for the woodblock print.
I find the necessity to constantly combine the images used in my paintings to see how they translate to the cut and carve form of the woodblock, thus pushing the artistic limits into a self-satisfying and everlasting art experience.

Exhibition Schedule:

• May 5 Exhibition Opens
• Reception May 7 from 4 – 6 PM
• July Exhibition Concludes

Her work will be on display at Paul’s Homewood Café located at 919 West St, Annapolis, MD 21401. Open daily.