A Journey of Strength, Art, and New Beginnings
by MsBoye
Here are highlights from the delightful conversation I had with our December Artist of the Month, the amazing Cindy Massey. A conversation that revealed her playful nature, faith, sense of humor, and overwhelming gratitude for life itself.
From Cedar Park, TX to Cedar Creek, NM
Cindy Massey’s life story is a testament to her unwavering strength and resilience. From a thriving career in photography to a life-altering car accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury, she has faced challenges head-on and emerged stronger, with a newfound appreciation for life’s beauty. In this blog post, we explore Cindy’s artistic journey, her move to New Mexico, and her unique perspective on creativity, recovery, and the profound connection between art and healing.
I asked Cindy how she got involved with Art Spark Texas:
“I got involved many years ago, back when it was VSA Texas. Chris Strickling, she called me up and said, ‘You want to do this Actual Lives?’ I said, ‘Yeah, sure! I’ve never acted before and been in a play, and I’m willing to give it a try.’ And that’s how I met April and Celia. And that’s how I got involved with Art Spark.”
Cindy stayed connected with us, selling her art at art shows until 2020, when she made the move, she had always dreamed of, from Cedar Creek, Texas, to Cedar Crest, New Mexico.
“The heat and the traffic and those crazy-ass Republicans, ran me out of Texas.”
She told me about the brilliant light in New Mexico, the breathtaking mountains, the expansive skies, and those unforgettable sunsets that make it an artist’s paradise. She couldn’t be happier.
Philosophy for Handling Life’s Challenges
Cindy shared her philosophy for handling life’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of realizing that,
“Whatever happens, you can handle it.”
She encourages others to explore their creativity, to use art as a tool for self-expression and healing. She declares, her voice resonating with conviction:
“You can do whatever you want in life… Of course, everybody says that… but it’s so true.”
Cindy’s journey has been a journey of self-discovery and recovery. A near-fatal drunken crash, resulting in a traumatic brain injury, led to her overcoming addiction and embracing a life of recovery.
“I ran into a telephone pole, drunk as a skunk, and that’s what changed my life for the better. I had to be in a coma for 22 days to quit everything. But I did. I quit cigarette smoking, drinking, smoking dope, doing drugs. Everything. I quit everything. I don’t recommend going into a coma to quit. That’s how it happened with me.”
As a recovered alcoholic, she found a second chance at life. With newfound clarity, she cherishes the beauty of our earth and its creatures. She emphasized,
“My brain injury gave me a chance to take a long, hard look at who I am and why I was given a second chance to begin a new life with a greater appreciation of the beauty of our earth and its creatures.”
Sobriety, Recovery, and Creativity
For Cindy, sobriety became a gateway to reconnect with her artistic talents and redefine her life’s purpose. The connection between Cindy’s creativity and her recovery journey is truly remarkable. She admits that her drinking and substance abuse stifled the artistic abilities she’d enjoyed as a child.
After her head injury, she saw the work of Teresa Moseley in a photography magazine, and it sparked her interest in art again. She found an art class taught by Teresa and learned that if she could draw it, she could paint it—a revelation that opened a new chapter in her artistic journey. Now she is a passionate advocate for people with brain injuries, believing that art can play a transformative role in their recovery. Inspired by her own journey, she plans to teach art to people with head injuries at the Brain Injury Foundation of New Mexico, sharing the gift that has enriched her own life.
“Teresa Moseley taught me I could draw. And she was such an angel. I want to be an angel to other people too.”
Through her art, Cindy strives to honor the abundant beauty around us. One of her captivating pieces, “Amongst the Trees,” captures the magnificence of redwoods. Cindy lay on her back, capturing the awe-inspiring grandeur of nature, intending to highlight the magnificence of God’s creation. For her, it represents a reminder of our earth’s majesty and our shared responsibility to protect it. As she says, in her no-nonsense style, “Stop destroying it, people!”
Nowadays, Cindy continues to explore her creativity through painting and occasional photography. She primarily identifies as a detailed artist with a perfectionist approach. Currently, she’s immersed in a painting spree. Smokey, her beloved cat, is her stoic muse. When we talked, she was eagerly looking forward to the 50th anniversary of the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fest, where she can capture the breathtaking sight of hot air balloons soaring through the sky during a solar eclipse. She’s got her camera, and eclipse glasses, ready for a front-row seat to seize those picture-perfect moments.
Cindy’s love for animals is not just a sentiment; it’s a living, breathing part of her being. Her connection with the animal kingdom is evident in her artwork, where portraits of beloved pets come alive with personality and warmth. Recently she even surprised her vet with a portrait of the vet’s Golden Retriever who had passed away.
How Would You Like to Be Remembered?
As we came to the end of our time, I asked Cindy about her legacy and what she would want in her obituary. She laughed and replied,
“Cindy was an adventurous, fun-loving girl, who loved nature and animals. Nothing would stop her. Whatever she wanted to do, she did it… always getting there ten minutes early!”
Her zest for life, dedication to art, and unyielding love for animals are certainly qualities worth celebrating. Her message resonates with positivity and determination, encouraging others to embrace opportunities and overcome obstacles.
One Day at a Time
Cindy’s story is one of strength, creativity, and the transformative power of art. May we all go out there and dive headfirst into our passions, just like Cindy—embracing every twist and turn, appreciating the beauty that surrounds us, and seizing every moment with gratitude. Life is too short for regrets, so let’s make the most of every step along the way, one day at a time.
Cindy is one of the featured storytellers on Episode 19 of our True Tales by Disability Advocates podcast, “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Listen to Cindy’s story here. You can see and purchase Cindy’s work on her website and at Fine Art America.