Meet Artist Cindy Chinn:
I’m Cindy Chinn, an artist who finds inspiration in the ordinary and transforms it into the extraordinary. My creative journey has taken me from carving intricate designs into pencil lead to crafting large-scale sculptures and recycled art. Each piece I create tells a story, shaped by my passion for innovation and my love for reimagining materials. Whether it’s a collector’s centerpiece or a conversation starter, my work reflects my belief that art should inspire, surprise, and connect. Welcome to my world of creativity!
The Medium Magician:
- Pencil Carvings: Pencil carving is one of my favorite ways to explore the incredible detail that tiny spaces can hold. Taking something as simple as a pencil and transforming it into a miniature sculpture is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Each piece reflects a bit of whimsy, storytelling, and my love for intricate craftsmanship. Whether it’s a train, an animal, or a custom design, these carvings are my way of creating big impacts on a small scale. I’d love for you to explore my miniature world!
- Metal Marvels: Creating metal artwork allows me to bring bold, striking ideas to life using recycled materials like saws, shovels, and more. I love the challenge of transforming these rustic pieces into intricate designs that tell a story or capture a moment. Each piece is unique, whether it’s a wall hanging, sculpture, or custom commission, and reflects my passion for breathing new life into forgotten materials. Working with metal is my way of blending creativity with sustainability, and I hope my work sparks inspiration and joy!
- Re-Tired Scrap: I’ve always been fascinated by the potential of recycled materials, and my Re-Tired artwork series is a reflection of that passion. Using old bicycle tires, I create intricate, textured designs that transform these discarded items into something truly unique and meaningful. From bold wall art to playful sculptures, every piece combines sustainability with creativity, proving that even “retired” materials can tell a new story.
- Painted Dreams: Painting offers me a versatile way to explore storytelling, whether it’s on canvas or across large-scale murals. My Journey Series paintings capture personal reflections, while my mural work transforms spaces with bold, immersive designs that bring walls to life. Each piece is an opportunity to connect with viewers on a deeper level, creating art that resonates in unique environments. From intimate brushstrokes to expansive wall art, I pour my creativity into every detail to make lasting impressions.
Feathers and Fire:
Creating larger-than-life sculptures is one of my favorite ways to push creative boundaries and make a bold statement. My life-sized metal peacock celebrates intricate detail and vibrant artistry, while my Phoenix fire pit combines functionality with dramatic design, capturing the spirit of renewal and strength. These works are a reflection of my passion for transforming raw materials into show-stopping pieces that captivate and inspire.
Whether for public spaces or private collections, each sculpture is a labor of love meant to leave a lasting impression.
Milestones and Musings:
- I’m a multi-faceted artist who loves pushing creative boundaries, working with everything from pencil carvings to large-scale sculptures, murals, and metal art.
- My background as an animator and designer in the entertainment industry deeply influences my imaginative approach and attention to detail in every piece I create.
- My art has found its way into museums, public installations, and private collections worldwide, and I take pride in creating works that resonate with a wide range of audiences.
But wait – there’s more! :
- Explore my portfolio here at CindyChinn.com.
- Visit TheSawLady.com for my online store of saw art
- Follow my art blog for behind-the-scenes glimpses and the latest adventures.
- Visit my online store for a wide range of artwork available to ship now!
- Contact me to discuss any ideas you might have for a commissioned piece – or just to talk! 😀
“From intricate pencil carvings to monumental sculptures and murals, my art transforms everyday materials into extraordinary creations that spark imagination and inspiration.”
Over 20 Years of Milestones:
2025: Featured in The Fabricator Magazine, Jan 2025 – Vol 55, No 1
2024: Hosted Australian Artist Jo Caminiti for a Cultural Exchange program to create a public sculpture.
2024: Grand Prize Winner of International Metal My Way Contest (Peacock)
2024: Overall Runner-up of WINGS 2024, International Juried Art Exhibition (Raven) & Finalist (Peacock)
2024: Exhibiting at the “Tales of Poe” group show at the Joslyn Castle and Gardens
2024: Awarded “All-Nebraska Artist” at Nebraska State Fair for 7th time
2024: Exhibited at Meadowlark Gallery‘s “Black and White” show
2024: Exhibited at Gallery 9‘s “July Invitational” show
2024: Began work on a new series of art created from bicycle tires and parts (Re-Tired Artwork)
2024: Exhibited at the Tadweer Art Show in Doha Qatar, hosted by the Souq Waqif Art Center
2023: Completed a year-long project of a life-size scrap metal Peacock Sculpture
2022: Exhibited at BG Gallery (Santa Monica), “Out of the Box 3” exhibit.
2022: Completed life-sized Sandhill Crane Sculpture, featured in local papers.
2021: Featured on NET’s show “Nebraska Public Media News“
2021: Featured on NET’s show “Nebraska Stories“
2021: Accepted into a group show at Hilliard Gallery in Kansas City, “Things Called Art”
2021: Featured on NET / PBS Radio Show, “Friday Live” in March
2020: Featured on “Good Day Sacramento” for my metal artwork, pencils and wood carving.
2019: Featured in Disney’s “Art Workshop” series on social media, video receives over 2 million views on Instagram.
2019-20: Exhibited at Hilliard Gallery in Kansas City “Small Works” show (and longer).
2019: Exhibited at the Scrap Metal Art Show hosted by the Souq Waqif Art Center in Doha, Qatar (Oct / Nov)
2019: Selected to design Nebraska stripe for national project, Her Flag 2020
2019: Showed at Gallery 9‘s Silver Anniversary Alumni Show – July
2019: Showed at The Grove – A Gallery – Feb-May
2019: Created many metal art pieces for Parc Animalier de Sainte Croix in France.
2018: Featured on Top Woodcarving Blogs at Toolazine.com
2018: Featured on Blogging.com for Art Blogs
2018: Exhibit at ‘The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures‘ – pencil carvings
2017: Featured in the Fall issue of “Sparks” magazine.
2017: Featured in the book “Creative Extremes“, published in October
2017: Featured in July issue of Home Review magazine
2017: Featured in Dollhouse Miniature Magazine (Mar/Apr issue)
2017: Featured in Nebraska Life Magazine (Jan/Feb issue)
2016: One woman show at the Minden Opera House Art Gallery – Nov / Dec.
2016: Created a custom theatre chair for Bonham Theatre’s Chair-ity Auction
2016: Rated #72 on a list of the top 100 Art Blogs – feedspot.com
2016: Featured on dozens of websites such as This is Colossal who were all promoting my pencil carving of an Elephant Family.
2016: Exhibited at Art House LA (Los Angeles) – Miniature Show – February.
2016: Featured in Woodcarving Illustrated (Winter-Spring 2016 issue) – View article
2015: Featured on numerous websites such as Bored Panda as an image of my carved pencil went ‘viral’ online.
2015: Prairie Winds Gallery, Grand Island – Two Honorable Mentions, 16th Annual National Miniature Show
2014: Commissioned to create 8’x10′ mural for community movie theatre.
2014: Nebraska State Fair – Awarded title of “All Nebraska Artist – Best Fine Craft”
2014 Prairie Winds Gallery, Grand Island – Honorable Mention, 15th Annual National Miniature Show
2013: Commissioned to create 17′ x 50′ mural for Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters in Norfolk, VA
2013: Commissioned to create a 4′ x 8′ mural for the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters in Las Vegas
2013: Lincoln Art Fair – Voted Top Nebraska Artist
2013: Nebraska State Fair – Awarded title of “All Nebraska Artist – Best Fine Art”
(3rd ever recipient)
2013: Only artist in the history of the Nebraska State Fair to win the best of show in all three categories (Best Fine Art, Best Fine Craft, Best 3D Art) – Photo
2013: Exhibited at Nebraska Governor’s Mansion
2007: Commissioned to create a 4’x4′ mural, a 4’x8′ mural as well as 25′ circular ceiling mural for a dentist’s office in Charlotte, NC
2004: Commissioned to create 5 large murals, 3D trees, and other work at the Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas, NV