By Taylor Colby
Artist Cynthia Spitzer has an eye for capturing beauty with her camera lens. Her detailed and vibrant photographs are currently on display at The First Coast Cultural Center. She said inspiration can strike anywhere and the photos on display are a result of that inspiration.
Spitzer even captured the essence of bright blooms and lush plants while shopping at the supermarket.
Her artistic process doesn’t end with the photographs; it begins with them. She edits her photos until she is satisfied with the end results.
“Editing my photos felt almost like painting but with the flexibility to change the style and composition as well as the initial subject matter,” she said.
Spitzer is often surprised by the finished product and enjoys experimenting with distortion of perspective, color, size and texture. She studied art in New York City, and it was there that she learned how perception can be manipulated in making art. She loves experimenting with various elements within the print.
“Viewing the world through a camera lens inspired me to focus on the intricacies of the objects in our environment surrounding me,” she said. “I began seeing shapes, lines, contrast and patterns everywhere. ‘Simple’ became beautiful and ‘ugly’ became interesting.”
She said her passion for art and photography have helped her to be more open and to “go with the flow.” This new passion has brought her a lot of joy and is proof that there is so much to discover at every stage in life.
You can view Spitzer’s stunning photography at The First Coast Cultural Center now through Jan. 2. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, and some Saturdays and Sundays, are available by appointment.