It has taken me awhile to muster this post. I learned yesterday that my friend and mentor, Cynthia Lee, left her body on Dec 23rd. Taking a cue from another friend, I share images of two ceramic pieces I have of hers, purchased in conjunction with classes I took that she taught.

 

Cynthia managed Odyssey Studios (now Odyssey Clayworks) for some twenty years. It was really challenging work and didn't pay near what she was worth, but like the owners, she did it for the love of clay and the vision of Odyssey. A finer juggling act you've never seen, and always with the welfare of students, teachers and resident artists in mind. Despite her extensive knowledge and interest in ceramics, she really didn't have the time and energy for her own work during that time.

 

An artist since high school, when she worked for Renaissance Glass in Leicester, her later life was spent pursuing what she loved. She taught at several large studios including Odyssey, and maintained her own studio in the River Arts District. I particularly enjoyed her work for her focus on plants, and for the sweetness in her presentation of them. Good for her, for making her dream come true.

Cynthia requested that in lieu of flowers, she’d like people to purchase works from local ceramic artisans and take a photo of themselves with it. Photos can be emailed to her husband, Randy, at rupurple2@gmail.com.

 

Thank you, Cindy, for all you shared with our community. You will be missed.