CINspirational People
CINspirational People: Cedric Michael Cox
CINspirational People is a feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
Today we are featuring Cincinnati artist Cedric Michael Cox, best known for his paintings and drawings, which fall between surrealism and representational abstraction, and have been exhibited locally and regionally. Cedric has had solo exhibits at the Contemporary Arts Center of Cincinnati (CAC), the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center, PAC Gallery, and Weston Gallery in the Aronoff Center for the Arts. In support of his efforts in the visual arts and art education communities, the City of Cincinnati awarded him the Individual Artist Grant in 2009. He received a Congressional Award in 2010.
Cedric’s art has been featured in magazines, on television, and in the college textbook Drawing: Space, Form and Expression. In addition to his work being in
photo credit: Michael Willison
corporate collections, Cox executed two large-scale public murals for the city of Cincinnati. His recent exhibits include the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago, the Phoenix Gallery, Chicago, Sacramento’s Evolve the Gallery, the Harlem Fine Art exhibition, the Williamsburg Arts and Historical Center Brooklyn, NY, the National Arts League, Douglaston, NY and The Robeson Gallery at Pennsylvania State University.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Cedric: My Career as a visual artist has had so many mile stones and memorable moments that to single out one achievement would be very difficult. I believe every small step is a leap to larger achievements. When I think of goals or achievements that were met I must look to the most recent awards and recognitions that I have received. This year I was awarded the Yeck artist in residence at the Dayton Arts Institute. Also this year I was selected to design and execute a mural for Amberley Villages 75th Anniversary. Other past achievements include my first solo exhibition at Five Myles Gallery in New York and my art work being exhibited at the Contemporary Arts Center where I currently have a permanent work on display, the Weston Art Gallery in 2010 and a congressional award for my commitment to arts and art education
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Cedric: God and family have been the most positive influence for me. My work ethic was installed through my upbringing.
In regards to my art and the creative process and journey, professor Tarrence Corbin was as mentor who was the positive influence that still leaves a mark on me and my work with quotes I like, “It’s not how much you do in one day it’s how well you do it” and “There is one four letter word that sets one artist from the next ………..WORK”, still echo in my mind when I create as well as when I teach. The connection between me and my students has been an important role in my life and how I live. Because I am achieving the dreams that I had as a child there is a deeply rooted channel that connects me with the students I teach.
When I paint, I want the child I once was to be represented in my paintings on a visceral level, and at the same time on an adult level. Terrance would also say “Just have fun”, and I try to do this with my career.
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impact you?
Cedric: Every moment and interaction is important and you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Because, I want my art to be appreciated by all people, I try to project a welcoming attitude towards life and experience and I invite others to share the experience with me. Embrace all and every moment is my motto.
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Cedric: Passion and fear are my biggest motivators. Faith in God and my ability drives my passion to create. I know that I will work hard until I’m completely satisfied on whatever I’m trying to accomplish, but sometimes fear steps in. Fear is not a bad thing. Fear is based on past experience or a prediction of what might happen and it also evokes action, but if I plan and project positive procedures and solutions to ensure success, my passion will flourish.
CINspirational People: Cyndy Driehaus
CINspirational People is a feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
Today we are featuring author Cyndy Driehaus, who has been a published writer since the third grade. Her book Royal Adventures of Princess Darcy and Princess Daisy is a series of bedtime stories she made up for her daughters when they were young. Published in May, 2007, it has been a feature story on television and been exhibited at over 200 book signings. Her adventurous world travels led her to South Africa and Swaziland in the summer of 2013, a destination she had only dreamed of. In her book, Songs of the African Sun, she whisks you along on her journey with thought provoking imagery and photography of five safaris and resting peacefully in the mountains of Swaziland with her family.
GTGA Intern Liza Hartke interviewed Cyndy.
GTGA Intern Liza: What are some accomplishments that you’ve been proud of?
Cyndy: My greatest accomplishment is raising four productive, kind and fun loving good kids to adulthood! Some others would be traveling and living in other countries, publishing two books, and receiving awards for my writing and volunteerism. Also, just making a positive impact on the community by volunteering.
GTGA Intern Liza: Tell me more about your books! What inspired you to write them?
Cyndy: What inspired my books? My kids suggested that I publish the bedtime stories I made up for them. Also, my journey to South Africa inspired my book of original photography and poetry.
GTGA Intern Liza: If you would meet anyone – past or present, who would it be? Why?
Cyndy: I would love to meet Bono from U2. Why? I admire him so much for his musical accomplishments and philanthropy around the world.
GTGA Intern Liza: Of all the places you’ve traveled, what place would you like to live?
Cyndy: If I could I would love to live in Spain again! I lived there 3 months in college.
GTGA Intern Liza: What is next for you?
Cyndy: My future project is writing a series of children’s books, and starting my own non profit animal rescue.
GTGA Intern Liza: What is your life motto?
Cyndy: The motto I live by is “Age is a state of mind!”
CINspirational People: Todd Frazier
Last year I had the great pleasure of meeting our amazing Cincinnati Reds All-Star, Todd Frazier, through my work in serving as the director of public relations and communication for the Cincinnati ReelAbilities Film Festival. Todd and Ted Kremer starred our Festival’s public service announcement.
It was obvious from the moment he walked into the room for filming, that Todd is someone of All-Star status, and I am talking about his off the field, out of uniform person. The human being who embraces life, cherishes family, and values friendship. He is someone truly special. It was an honor to have met and worked with him, and it makes me so proud that our great city came together to vote Todd into the All- Star Game by a huge margin.
Hearing about Todd’s comments made during the National League portion of All-Star Game Media Day was of no surprise to me. We are proud to call him our hometown ambassador.
#2015AllStar Game #2015ASG #ASG
“He (my dad) told me to be nice to everybody. You never know who is watching. And have a good time. That’s all I try to do because you never know who you are talking to or if it’s going to be the guy you are riding on the bus with next week and you get a flat tire and that could be your next best friend. That’s how I go about life.” – Todd Frazier
CINspirational People: Elaine Suess
CINspirational People is a feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
Today, we are profiling Elaine Suess, a leadership coach and an organizational development consultant.
GTGA: What is an accomplishment you achieved that you are proud of?
Elaine: Starting my own business in 2006 after 20 years in corporate life is what comes to mind. I joke that if you live long enough, you might be able to do what you were “born for.” I feel like that’s where I am at this point. It’s beyond exciting to help my clients move actively toward positive change and what they feel is their potential, and then even move beyond it!
GTGA: Tell us about someone who has been a positive influence in your life.
Elaine: I’ll have to go beyond the singular here and turn this into “someones.” My parents have been the most positive influence. Hands down. They are so amazing I’m getting teary eyed just writing this!
GTGA: What is a motto you live by and why or how has it impact you?
Elaine: I don’t have just one motto, but a few that I love are: “The only way to predict the future is to create it” Peter Drucker. This aligns with one of my top strengths – Activator. Another is from Greg Boyle who works with “returning citizens,” who says, “Sometimes resilience arrives in the moment you discover your own unshakable goodness.” My belief in people’s innate goodness drive many of my choices and actions.
GTGA: What is your biggest motivator?
Activating the positive changes, growth and joy I see in the people I work with.
GTGA: Tell us about an act of kindness you have done, witnessed or been the recipient of and how that made you feel.
I am fortunate to mentor a number of individuals who have many challenges I’ve never had. I’m the lucky one here – I learn much from them and they regularly inspire me.
CINspirational People: Shawna O’Shea
CINspirational People is a feature of Good Things Going Around profiling diverse people of Greater Cincinnati, what inspires them, and what is inspiring about them. You can read more profiles by clicking on the link at the top of the blog. Do you know someone to suggest? Please reach out. Thanks!
GTGA Intern Liza Hartke spoke with Shawna O’Shea for today’s profile.
GTGA Intern Liza: What motto do you live by day to day?
Shawna: I really do not have a motto. Everyday is a gift from God. He is the most important thing in my life. There is a scripture I live by everyday. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” Maybe that is my motto?
GTGA Intern Liza: Is there an experience that changed your life?
Shawna: Being diagnosed with cancer was definitely a life changer. I am a two time breast cancer survivor. The first diagnosis was January 2010. The doctor recommended lumpectomy and chemotherapy. I did lumpectomy and no chemotherapy. The second came in January of 2011. More aggressive. I had bilateral mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and finally reconstruction from February to August of 2012. A very busy year and a half. But I was blessed every step of the way. Blood counts stayed normal, I gained 10 pounds, no sickness with chemo, and all surgeries went great. I now am cancer free!
GTGA Intern Liza: What do you do as a volunteer for Oncology Hematology Care?
Shawna: I go on Fridays to help the nurses take care of the patients. I make sure the food and drinks are stocked. I personally go and try to spend time talking and meeting with each person. When you are in that situation, you feel more like a group than a single person. All of their sitting, waiting, and hurting. Some physically, some emotionally, some financially, some mentally, and some spiritually. I know I have been there and felt exactly what they are going through. If in that 4 hour window I can do something, that can help, I want to do it with all my might and strength.
GTGA Intern Liza: How can others volunteer?
Shawna: You can contact any OHC office and ask about their volunteer program.
GTGA Intern Liza: If you had three wishes, what would they be?
Shawna: I wish we could find a cure for all diseases. I wish that I could help every child in need no matter what the need would be. I wish I had enough money to take care of my loved ones so that they didn’t have to work or worry about finances ever. I want them to have fun and enjoy life.
GTGA Intern Liza: Who or what is your biggest motivator?
Shawna: My biggest motivator while I was in cancer treatment was the cancer itself. I was not going to be defeated. It was not going to take my life, my joy, or my peace. The bible says I am an overcomer. It was not going to steal away my dreams of seeing my children or grandchildren growing older. My husband was my rock. He lived our wedding vows over and over again. For richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. Even when I felt unattractive with no hair and multiple scars he always made me feel beautiful.
