By Danny Gregory

Cindy

November 22, 2008

Cindy Woods has long been one of my favorite sketchbook artists. I love the quality of her line, the clarity of her observation. And she is a strong exemplar of the fact that no matter what one's situation, drawing makes it better. She recorded her life at the Virginia Home, a nursing home for Disabled people, with grace, humor, and warmth.
I was fortunate enough to convince Cindy to include some pages from her sketchbook in my new book, An Illustrated Life: Drawing Inspiration From The Private Sketchbooks Of Artists, Illustrators And Designers. We planned to have a chat for the book's podcast, but time ran away from us this summer. I began to regret that more than ever when Cindy told me she had developed a form of cancer that was effecting her ability to speak and that she was not sure what her prognosis would be. Then this fall, she told me that she was worried that she might not get a chance to see the final book, because the publication date was still weeks away and she was about to enter a hospice. In shock, I called my editor, Amy, and asked her to rush the very first copy to Cindy's bedside. She had it in her hands before I even saw a copy and was so happy to see her drawings among those of so many people that she knew and admired.
Cindy passed away last night. Her close friend Ronda called to tell me that it was peaceful and Cindy was comfortable and surrounded by family to the end.

Here is the text of my interview with Cindy in full as it appears in the book:

My journey to drawing has been a very very slow one. I don't remember drawing much as a kid and my efforts in high school were rather timid, no more than doodles. Though I was constantly looking through children's and art books that love of pictures didn't translate into making many of my own until I moved away from home. It was the inspiration from Paul Hogarth's book "Drawing People" and moving into a nursing home full of people willing to be drawn that finally got me started. There was a chess club that met with the residents here on a weekly basis and because they were so focused on their game it provided a safe way to observe people without them taking much notice of me. I gained confidence in drawing this way and started to ask folks to pose for me. These introductions through drawing are how I came to know many of the people here. Since I've lived here over 30 years most of these folks are deceased now, making these early drawings all the more precious to me. That's how I began to draw and though there've been periods of inactivity it has in one form or another been a consistent part of my life ever since. The one odd thing is that in all that time I'd never kept a sketchbook. That's a recent development and now that I've started I regret it's not something I began early on. Even though keeping a sketchbook was encouraged in art school for some reason I just never took to it. I don't know. Drawing in a sketchbook is sometimes a scary thing. The internet made a big difference in finally getting me started. Seeing so many beautiful pages on websites made me regret that I wasn't able to flip through pages of my own. I liked the sense of progression through time that felt so much stronger in a book then with the loose single sheets I'd always used. And I regretted even more that as I began to explore illustration I had stopped drawing from life, drawing my friends, and that there was a huge gap of years and people that had gone unrecorded. So, with a building full of folks still willing to act as models, I began filling the pages of my very first sketchbook with their portraits. I started a second small sketchbook for travel, keeping it always at the ready in my shoulder bag and learning to scribble quick whenever there was an opportunity. I joined a figure drawing group and keep a sketchbook of just those drawings. Blogging all these sketches has made a difference in keeping me committed to the task. I've never drawn so consistently before over such a long period of time and the rewards of that practice have been fantastic. I notice more, always on the lookout for something interesting to draw or that I want to remember. I can look back in my books, especially my travel sketchbooks, and recall bits and pieces of a day I'd otherwise have forgotten. I'm more confident with my drawing and can capture a scene more quickly. Even when there's barely any time I've started to dash off the most scribbly notes and use them to work on a sketchbook of scenes from memory. I've come a long way but I've still periods of fear, of messing up the pages, that will keep me from working in my books. I also, because of my disability, have a hard time holding some sketchbooks. I don't want to lose this momentum I've gained so in addition to a sketchbook I always make sure I've got a cheap pad of paper from the drugstore with me so at least I have something I can switch to for when I'm feeling less confident and intimidated about using my book. I'm also still finding and am constantly inspired to try new things by the examples I find on the web. I'm curious what keeping a set time and place for sketching would feel like. Or drawing a whole book just out of my imagination. I want to try collage. Work more on composition and lettering. If I could remember them an illustrated dream journal might be neat. I've been slow in starting and developing this sketchbook habit but now I can't imagine stopping.

To see more of Cindy's work, visit her blog.

Click to play

Comments

Danny and Friends,
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Cindy. It is a touching story and a reminder how life takes unplanned turns and to live each day embracing our joys and creativity.
Warmly,
Carole in Chicago

Posted by: Carole Pearlman | November 22, 2008 12:05 PM

hmmm. Cindy has left quite a legacy. Reminding us all of the brevity of life, and the power of art to heal the spirit and console us along the way.
thank you Cindy.

Posted by: Jane LaFazio | November 22, 2008 12:19 PM

Thanks for sharing this, Danny. I've been so touched by all the people sharing how much Cindy meant to them - I so wish I'd known her!

Posted by: Carol | November 22, 2008 12:32 PM

Thanks, Danny. Last night and the last few days have been a special time of sharing for the artist community and I so appreciate what people are showing on their blogs about Cindy.

I just got word that your book has been mailed to me-- I ordered it way back when and have been eager to see it.
So glad that Cindy is in there.

Annie Fortenberry

Posted by: Annie | November 22, 2008 12:48 PM

What a beautiful interview and I'm so glad Cindy got to see her contribution to your book.
helenlp

Posted by: helenlp | November 22, 2008 01:30 PM

My condolences to everyone whose lives had been touched by crossing paths with Cindy's. I enjoyed a brief correspondence with her and I am saddened to learn that she's made her transition.

Posted by: Just Plain Jane | November 22, 2008 01:36 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this. I've corresponded from time to time with Cindy and have found her drawings to be so inspiring and motivating. The passage from your book says it beautifully. Cindy worked past the fear of the empty page and drew her beautiful life, and the people in it, brilliantly. How wonderful of you to make sure she got to see the book. I'm sorry for her loss. She will be greatly missed.

Posted by: Amy | November 22, 2008 01:39 PM

Such a sad loss. A kind friend has your book on pre-order for me as a christmas gift. I think I will save Cindy's interview for then.

Posted by: E-J | November 22, 2008 04:31 PM

i'm sorry for your loss and her community's.

prayers for you all.

Posted by: paul soupiset | November 22, 2008 07:33 PM

I can't tell you how sad I am to hear this news. Cindy and I connected via email several times and her enthusiasm, not to mention her skills, was always evident. She was all about being able despite her physical situation. Thank goodness you could, and did, make sure she saw the book. I know she was excited about the prospect of it and the reality must have been a highlight of the end of her life. we've lost a vibrant presence at the everydaymatters party. dana

Posted by: dana | November 22, 2008 07:54 PM

I'm really sad to hear about Cindy's passing. It's amazing how she sketched up to the end. She was a huge inspiration to me in regards to getting back into sketching. I loved her work; she could capture a face with so few lines. Her art was perfect in its imperfection. I look forward to seeing her sketches in your book, Danny. And Cin, you will be greatly missed.

Posted by: Paula | November 23, 2008 11:24 AM

o, Danny... No! I am so saddened by this news. I was looking at her blog just last week. Like you, I have admired Cindy for years and was so impressed with her attitude, her generosity of spirit and of course, her art. Damn cancer! It has taken so many wonderful people from us. But it can't take touch the memories they leave behind.

Posted by: Melanie Ford Wilson | November 23, 2008 12:36 PM

Danny,

Thank you for introducing me to Cindy's blog and her wonderful work. Now that I know about it I keep returning for inspiration. I am sad she has passed away, and impressed that she never stopped sketching. What a talent AND generous spirit. I am blown away.

carolyn

Posted by: carolyn | November 24, 2008 06:52 PM

PS. Love the video of "An Illustrated Life". The book is at the top of my holiday wish list! :-)

carolyn

Posted by: carolyn | November 24, 2008 06:55 PM

So sorry to hear about your friend....
I received my copy of your book today, and can't wait to get started with it..

Posted by: Katmosphere | November 25, 2008 01:43 PM

Glad I found your site, but sad for your dear friend. So much of her energy in her work, she will truly live on forever.

-Karen

Posted by: karen cole | November 30, 2008 07:21 PM

Danny, Your book arrived today and it is absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for the inspiration and the opportunity to get to know these "artists, illustrators, and designers" so wonderfully displayed in your book. I ordered it months ago and what a joy to have it now!!

Posted by: Jim Bumgarner | December 2, 2008 12:22 AM

Hello Danny,
I just recently discovered your site and have downloaded all your podcasts to my iPod so I can listen on the bus, on my way to work (you have taken the place of NPR's Planet Money!)
You're a great interviewer, saying just enough to keep the person going, to draw them out, and getting them to talk, talk, talk. You're voice is also very sooting - a good thing in a podcaster!
Love your artwork as well, and wish I could take a class, but San Francisco's a bit too far.
All the best.

Posted by: Anna Maria | December 4, 2008 11:39 AM

I REALLY should start previewing instead of just posting.
Anyway, you're voice is soothing, not sooting, and San Francisco, of course, is too far away from where you teach...

Posted by: anna maria | December 4, 2008 11:41 AM

Oh for goodness sake!
this must be a trick typewriter, getting me to make so many errors!
I'm so neurotic I have to correct my typos one more time: "your voice is soothing" not "you're voice is sooting".
Today I listened to your interview with Melanie Ford Wilson, half on the way to work, and half on the way back. Liked how this was like a conversation and she got you to talk as well.
I'm starting to finally understand how to get around your site, because somehow, through Google, I discovered your about page. I've ordered Everyday Matters for myself and An Illustrated Life for my brother. But I know I will end up getting one for myself too... Can't wait.

Posted by: anna maria | December 6, 2008 12:24 AM