About Cynthia

"Making art is a practice of becoming present to our truest selves"

Painting of a lioness with a large sunflower behind her, giving the illusion of a headdress. There is a very tall sunflower beside her as well as a small yellow bird, sitting on a branch in front of the smaller and taller sunflower. The background is blue and there are a few bees in the image as well.
Painting: 2 of 2 (diptych). The outline of the shape of Porphyry Island sets the stage for significant features of the island, this one has devil's club, some of the arctic plants, the moon and the waves of Ktichigaming (Lake Superior).
Painting, mostly blues and purples. There is a large dragonfly in the top left, a lotus flower in the bottom left, an eagle in the top right, and some prayer beads flow across the canvas in a "Y" shape. There are some spiral flourishes as well.
Painting: 1 of 2 (diptych). The outline of the shape of Porphyry Island sets the stage for significant features of the island, the lighthouse is in this one as well as a pair of cedar waxwings, a monarch, a woodland strawberry plant and the waves of Ktichigaming (Lake Superior).
Painting of a red fox, sleeping curled up against a log, in the snow.

Who is Cynthia?

Cynthia Nault is Two Spirit Anishnaabekwe, Wolverine Clan, from Opwaaganisiniing (also known as Red Rock Indian Band or Lake Helen First Nation). Cynthia is also Française & English. She lives in Anemki-Wiikwedong (Thunder Bay, ON) which is in the traditional territory of the Fort William First Nation.

Cynthia is an artist and a teacher. Her gifts include a calming presence, natural teaching skills, and an ease about her that provides the magical environment to create for herself or inspires others to create. Her teaching style is patient, motivating and she provides enough space for her students to grow. She is dedicated to her work and embodies a creative style with everything that she touches.

She holds an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Production from Confederation College. As an artist and teacher, Cynthia delights in sharing the philosophy of Painting as a Spiritual Practice and community art creation.

Because she’s so passionate about social, climate & disability justice, she’s highly driven to help everyday Canadians understand their role in Reconciliation and to help them bring these values to work and everyday life in a meaningful way.

What is Painting as a Spiritual Practice?

Painting as a Spiritual Practice is very much about the process of making art. In other words, it is about the journey and not so much about the destination. It is a mindfulness practice and meditation practice. The 3 Mantras of Painting as a Spiritual Practice:

1. It’s only a little bit about the paint.
2. Making art is a practice of becoming present to our truest selves.
3. Breathe.

This philosophy of Painting as a Spiritual Practice is only a little bit about the paint; more so it is about making time and space in your life to listen to your inner voice, your inner truth. Painting as a Spiritual Practice will function as a dedicated time and space for self-care, reflection, connection with others and creating a safe space to feel and process emotions on the canvas. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from this course.

Painting as a Spiritual Practice is not about creating a product, though you may very well end up with a painting that you love. This kind of art is about the energy experience coming through.

It is medicine for us while we paint, and then it becomes medicine for those who look at the work.

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