Selected Art Reviews
“Some of Cynthia Lockhart’s pieces in this show seem reminiscent of works from artists like Harriet Powers and Faith Ringgold… Her work also brings to mind the tradition of ‘the story quilt.’ Lockhart’s piece “Journey to Freedom” depicts a woman with a knapsack on a trek through the woods towards the light of a candle. It speaks of her African ancestry and is a textile collage using a variety of materials weaving together a tale of someone’s quest toward emancipation filled with undoubted strife. “Journey to Freedom” tells a story of hope and uncertainty with its use of vibrant colors and patterns, and a multitude of layered textures and a variety of materials such as leather, snake skin and beads. It is full of life and movement. It leaves the viewer feeling a sense of not only anxiety but also the exuberance found in the quilted patterns of an uncertain existence, yet with an end in sight.”
The Ardent Thread, Exhibition, Curator Tony Williams. Review, Shawn Mishak, The Cleveland Scene Press Club, 2020.
“If Lockhart came into art making by a side door, that of fashion design, everything in her experience contributes to her superbly finished, exuberantly extravagant works that are intricate, frequently layered, with color a defining element.”
Jane Durrell, Artist’s Magazine, November 2011
"'Amazing Grace' by Cynthia Lockhart is an intensely explosive pastiche of hand-dyed and painted fabrics, lace, collage, and applique. Its spectacular opulence of color, shapes, and textures is a fittingly exuberant homage to divine presence along life’s meandering pathways."
Tom Wachunas, Artwach, Exhibition, Focus: Fiber, 2011
“Cynthia Lockhart among others share an enthusiasm for enhancing quilts with paint-brushing, rolling, stamping or screen-printing splashes of color, adding depth and texture to their work. Lockhart’s quilt, in two distinct pieces that can fit together, blends leather, suede, braid, trims, stones, beads, horn, cording and brass hardware into a free-spirited vision of creativity. For Lockhart the space between the two parts represents the transitional journey form conformism to an independence of spirit.”
Christine Kaminsky, American Craft Magazine, Oct/Nov 2008
“Another wonderful surprise is an abstract polygon by Cynthia Lockhart, a professor at the University of Cincinnati. Rhythmically patterned in curving stripes of multiple colors and adorned with beads and paint, it celebrates the joy she feels when singing and shouting praises to the Lord. It echoes the joyous vibrations in the gallery set off by this exuberant show.”
Exhibition, Threads of Faith, Co Curated by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi and Patricia Pongracz. Grace Glueck, New York Times, 2004
Media
Interview - Cynthia Lockhart Opens Up About 'Journey to Freedom' at Taft Museum of Art
My quilt “Reach for the Stars” is featured on the cover of the book, Uncommon Threads - Ohio’s Art Quilt Revolution, by author Gayle Pritchard, 2006
Video
Journey to Freedom: Art Quilts by Cynthia Lockhart
by The Art Show - ThinkTV and CET
Cynthia Lockhart - Journey to Freedom Exhibition at the Taft Museum of Art
Interview by The Art Show - Season 11, Episode 4
Cynthia Lockhart - Journey to Freedom Exhibition at the Taft Museum of Art
Audio Interview by WVXU - Cincinnati Public Radio
Cynthia Lockhart's Journey to Freedom quilt was featured in the Dairy Barn Art Center's Biennial OH+5 regional juried Exhibition of Contemporary artwork in 2006.
Hilary Fletcher, former project Director of Quilt National, comments on Lockhart's quilt featured in the Biennial OH+5 exhibition.
Cynthia Lockhart featured on Simply Quilts.
Art Couture Quilter Video | HGTV
