Meet Cynthia Cassillis Chalmers | Mixed Media Artist | Holistic Practitioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Cassillis Chalmers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia Cassillis, what is the most important factor behind your success?
There are actually two factors: the first is creating pieces that bring joy to customers. At artisan festivals, when an attendee comes to my booth, immediately grins or exclaims happily about something they see that I’ve made, that is the impetus that encourages me and brings me validation in what I’m doing. The second factor is that I am enjoying the process of creating these pieces. It’s a mediation of sorts to me, to lose myself in the elements that become the art. I believe when you really enjoy what you are doing, be it arts, crafts, or any job, the process becomes more intuitive and the result more cohesive. I’ve had different manifestations of my business throughout my life, from online resale to holistic aromatherapy products. Since moving back to Atlanta, I’ve been more focused on upcycling found objects into assemblage. With a lifelong love of all things faeries & gnomes, I’ve incorporated some fun pieces into figurines, small sculptures, wall art and wearable art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
For the first year, I tried really hard to create what I thought people wanted, based on a haphazard cross-section of information. It was more frustrating than enjoyable and the result reflected that frustration. Then I had the epiphany that I should create what made me happy and see how that went, and the result was way better. I’ve just kept going with that mindset and it’s been so much fun! Creating magic wands has generated a lot of excitement….I mean who doesn’t want a custom hand crafted magic wand? The gnomes, something I’ve always loved, have also brought many smiles from customers. When I allowed myself to design my first gnome, I was so enthralled with the process and the result….haha, I immediately showed my adult kids and was like…”Look! I actually made this!” Now I create multi-dimensional canvas art, unique hanging ornament style pieces, gnomes, steampunk and gothic faeries, and wands, in addition to some artist trading cards which I usually gift to people because I am of the belief we all love good surprises. I love putting colours and textures together, using some usual, and unusual, materials.
I want everyone to give themselves permission to unleash some imagination that maybe got pushed to the back when adulthood happened. Never lose the magic “Those who don’t believe in magic, will never find it.” ~ Roald Dahl

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta Botanical Gardens would be the first stop, with a packed picnic to take to Piedmont Park before or after. The Botanical Gardens is so easy to just lose yourself in, like an Alice in Wonderland adventure. Oh my, so many amazing food spots. Little Tart & Big Softie in Summerhill for delicious vegan soft serve and, if it’s available, affogato which is so delectable I took a video and posted it on IG! Seafood at BeetleCat for sure, the BEST fish & chips I’ve found in Atlanta and inventive and tasty cocktails.
Ooh, Dolls Head trail is a must! There are so many parks, hiking spots, and nature trails, that would be on the daily itinerary as well.
I love bookstores, as do most of my friends, so Atlanta Vintage Books for certain, and a stop after at Tea Leaf & Creamery for bubble tea, the Brown Sugar Marble Bubble is magical.
Second Chance thrift store is always fun to find hidden treasures and awesome apparel.
Walking around Little 5 Points and going to Crystal Blue, Rainy Day Revival and Criminal Records .and watching the progress of the future vegan pizzeria, Pizza Verdura Sincera, willing it to open asap.
If Full Radius Dance has a performance, that is a must-see.
I just realized this list is literally what I’ve shared with my friend Kat, for when they next visit me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Archie & Jenn for always being my cheerleaders! Truly, everyone I’ve met along this path of life, so many I couldn’t really list them all.

Instagram: @cassilliscreates

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/cindycassillis

Facebook: facebook.com/cassilliscreates

Image Credits
Cindy Chalmers/cassilliscreates