Cindy Rasche Brings Historical Human Language to Life Through Relief Sculpture

Cindy Rashe working on new painted and carved relief works.

By Matt Swift – artist, educator, filmmaker and secretary for the Ohio Art League

Cindy Rasche is primarily a sculptural artist who has been living and working in Columbus for the majority of her life. As a native of Ohio who grew up in Columbus and completed her education at Columbus College of Art & Design, Cindy  is a member of the Ohio Art League.

Matt: Tell us about your current art-making process.
Cindy: I am currently developing a new oil and cold wax series, supported by a grant from the Greater Columbus Arts Council, based on the earliest human languages. I am also working to complete a large series of painted and carved masonry relief sculptures that follow the signs and symbols carved into rocks by early humans as they migrated out of Africa and peopled the earth. All of this work is destined for a 2024 solo exhibition at the McConnell Arts Center in Worthington.

Matt: Can you tell us a little bit about your participation in the Ohio Art League as an artist member?
Cindy: I enjoy being an OAL member because of the excellent exhibition opportunities, the people I have met and connected with, and the lively monthly meetings where I always learn something new. I enter the shows offered by OAL because they are excellent exhibition opportunities in a variety of venues. Volunteering with OAL has been a great way for me to meet and get to know other Ohio artists and also give back a little to the OAL.

Ancient Nordic Record by Cindy Rasche

Matt: Are there networks that have supported you as an artist in Columbus?
Cindy: I received a 2023 grant from GCAC, which was very important to my education. I have benefited from my relationships with several OAL artists including Bev Goldie who does encaustics; Dana Grubb, who I studied painting with; and Stephanie Rond who is an artist and curator of the Carnegie Gallery at the downtown Columbus public library. The McConnell Center for the Arts staff have been very generous in their support, and their ceramics instructor Stacey Besst have been very important to my work.

Matt: What are some of your favorite things to do as an artist in Columbus?
Cindy: I really enjoy visiting art galleries, art walks, Franklinton Fridays at 400 Rich Street studios and seeing public sculpture. I like the Columbus Museum of Art, and Hawk Galleries for their world class glass. I love to walk along the Scioto Mile, to stop to eat at the Milestone 229 restaurant and visit the Cultural Arts Center and the Riffe Gallery.

There are great galleries, like Sharon Weiss Gallery, in the Short North. I have taken a glass casting workshop at Glass Axis and it is a terrific venue for people who want to learn to work in glass. I plan to become involved with the Idea Foundry maker-space as they have some equipment like laser cutters that I want to learn to use. In Worthington, I love the performances, exhibitions with gallery talks by the artists, and classes at the McConnell Arts Center. In Dublin the new Bridge Park area is beautiful. The Dublin Area Art League has excellent programs and shows.

Respite for Boann, the River Goddess by Cindy Rasche

Matt: Are there specific places and specific people you look to for inspiration in Columbus?
Cindy: I enjoy walking along the rivers and in the many city parks. I enjoy going to the Ohio History Center, Ohio’s mounds and earthworks like in Newark and especially the Serpent Mound in Peebles, Ohio. I have enjoyed the Ohio Art League and the people I have met there and when I need art help or advice I turn there.

You can see Cindy’s latest work from Sept. 7 through Dec. 9 at the Ohio Art League 2023 Spring Juried Exhibition taking place at the Capital University Schumacher Gallery. You can also learn more about her work by visiting your website at www.cindyrasche.com.

This article is part of a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council as part of the Art Makes Columbus campaign. Explore a calendar of events, public art database and artist stories at columbusmakesart.com. To learn more about GCAC grants visit gcac.org.