Artist’s Statement

Cinc Hayes’s artwork is inspired by many years of traveling across the world. A Chapel Hill native, he has journeyed across the USA, Canada, Europe, Eastern Europe, Central America, Africa, Scandinavia, to the edges of the North Pole and back again. Energies of these landscapes, people and animals reveal themselves through vibrant layers of color and texture on canvas. Memories and thoughts are captured in a single storyboard under disparate circumstance; a story to tell with no beginning or end. The layers of paint, fabric, sequins, sparkles and found objects form a collective expression that under closer inspection, the viewer can explore, and get lost in. Thus the viewer creates their own story, their own piece of art—and connection to it.

“The process begins with assorted concepts, and evolves into a unified theme. My goal is that in a world based on fast responses and quick glances, that a person looking at my art will take a split second longer than normal to focus, stop, and a realize that hidden within that piece is more to consider. Perhaps if they look a second, or a third time, they will see images they didn’t notice with the first glance. I want them to get lost for a moment and use their creativity as if they were examining a puzzle, and invite them to re-arrange the pieces.” 

Many paintings were created in a tiny haunted carriage house in downtown Charleston, and in a garden studio in Chapel Hill. These and other locations have provided endless possibilities for expression on canvas.

“I might see an interesting character on the historic streets while walking my rescued Lab, see a playful porpoise while kayaking, or conjure up an active cityscape from San Francisco. The canvas is a means to carry the essence of my experience to the viewer, and further open it to their interpretation and storyline.” 

Cinc currently resides in Chapel Hill and is enjoying creative landscaping projects, like custom cedar fences, flower beds or walkways, and finds it another avenue for creative expression. He is dedicated to sharing art with children and families, having toured for a year as part of Crayola’s 100th birthday (2003, teaching art in disadvantaged areas and at Children’s Hospitals), and he continues to donate art time at the Ronald McDonald House and with other charities.