Reefs survive if they are left untouched by man. As soon as they are kicked by a fin or hit by a boat, they begin to die. It is painful to see what man has ignorantly done to harm the reef system. Unfortunately, the coral reefs are in decline worldwide. This is due to climate change, which leads to coral bleaching, overfishing, blast fishing, digging of canals and bays, coral mining and pollution.

You hear about it and you read about it, but when you see a piece of artwork, that really makes a difference.

My soul is inspired when I go underwater in the coral reefs. I originally swam over reefs, then progressed to snorkeling, and finally started diving. Each step surpassed the other with what I was able to see illuminated in this underwater world. I find that diving in a coral reef is both a cathartic and a stimulating experience.

Cynthia has always appreciated the ocean, but her passion for the deep blue sea really started when she was a teacher at Goshen High School.

For 20 years, Cynthia traveled with Goshen High School’s Marine Biology class to Florida. Over that time, she went from observing the wonders from the surface to photographing the underwater ecosystem.

In 2013, Cynthia received a Lilly Grant that allowed her to study the green turtles of Barbados, take a course in underwater photography and then present an art show of inspired work.

Cynthia hopes that her clay vessels may encourage others to consider climate change and take action to reverse the damage that has happened to coral reefs.

Many of Cynthia’s recent pieces are inspired by the ocean and sea turtles. Below are just a few examples.