In 1985, while on a visit to Scotland, Cindy Matyi encountered a most rhythmic style of art which has intrigued and dominated her paintings ever since -- the interlacing, spiraling, restless style of Celtic art. Motifs used by ancient Celtic tribes on tombs, weapons and jewelry and later transformed by monks into the beautifully disturbing and and complex illuminated manuscript pages, now play an important part in the large oil paintings she creates. But these contemporary works go well beyond Celtic replication. Cindy Matyi leads a growing company of post-modern artists whose original work is attracting international attention as part of a living tradition.

"I feel that this style, with its fantastical variations on the interconnectedness of the natural world, adapts well to the themes of my work which include ecology, peace, renewal and creativity. Celtic designs fascinate people, and I add many chromatic variations to delight and attract viewers on an aesthetic basis, first, while gently luring them into the world of the painting and the message it contains."

Born and raised in Ohio, Cindy was influenced at an early age by her Appalachian grandmother's stories which she says "really fired my imagination". She developed a love of history, legend and the supernatural, rooted in the Scots-Irish tradition. After a lengthy career in health care, she returned to school and earned a BFA in painting at Mt. St. Joseph College. She now gives workshops in Celtic art and is one of the organizers of the touring art show "American Celtic". Cindy's work has appeared in galleries throughout the US and in Europe. She has illustrated book and CD covers, posters and websites. She still finds time to play Celtic music with the band, Silver Arm and is the founder and artistic director of the Cincinnati Celtic World Festival.