Cynthia Nudel

Ceramicist

©Cynthia Nudel

A creative pioneer

Cynthia thrives on variety
She works with organic waste
She gives online courses on biomaterials

Cynthia Nudel’s proactive drive and constant curiosity marked her creative journey ever since she relocated from Argentina to the Canary Islands in 2001. She took photography courses in Madrid, including a residence in Casa de Velásquez. She later moved to Barcelona in 2005 where she began to work with documentary photography and visual arts as a self-learner and explorer while she searched for her artistic identity. Today, she lives in the natural outskirts of Alicante where she researches biomaterials applied to various artistic techniques, such as bioceramics. Biomaterials have given her a new niche where to innovate, pave her own path and work from scratch to an end product. “I am passionate about the creative process and make endless connections around the clock.”

Interview

©Cynthia Nudel

©Cynthia Nudel

What is your view on non-formal education in the artisan sector?: Sometimes we do not fit in a conventional mould. There is a path of self-learning which gives freedom for creative self-motivation. We can be influenced by teachers, mentors and peers. Taking a divergent road permits a broader vision and some adventure. I am not afraid to experiment and enter unknown fields.
What was a major turning point for you?: Moving to nature, near Alicante five years ago. I found natural, eco-friendly resources for my art in botanical printing, dyes and biomaterials. This variety makes me productive and I am able to create from a very primal state.
What was the first object you made with biomaterials?: I created decorative vases from eggshell waste and algae and used other natural sources for dying and varnishing. It was quite challenging because it required a lot of research and trial and error in order to innovate. Therein lies the satisfaction I get from my work.
How have photography and digital media supported your work?: I use photography to make still-life compositions of my work with an individual aesthetic sense I share on social media. With my first bioceramics, I started uploading videos about the process on Instagram and they went viral with millions of views, sparking great interest. Rural life and a growing online education trend that peaked during Covid provided the resources to address the opportunity to teach others my craft.

Cynthia Nudel is a rising star: she began her career in 2021 and she started teaching in 2020