Giveaway and Interview with Cindy Ingram: Art is About Being Whole, A Memoir

**** Art is Basic is giving away one FREE copy of this book to a lucky reader. To be entered, simply leave a comment on this blog post. I will choose one random winner after November 3. ***.

_{Book links are Amazon Affiliate links which means I receive a small amount of compensation at no extra cost to you which go to supporting the blog’s upkeep and expenses.}

Today I have a very special book to share with you and an interview with the author! Today is launch day and the first chance to buy this amazing new book! The book is called Art is About Being Whole: A Memoir and I was lucky to be able to read an advanced copy of the book. I couldn’t put this book down. It is a very unique, moving, inspirational and for me, relatable memoir. Cindy connects each chapter to a powerful work of art from a different artist and talks about themes such as shame, anxiety, self-image and perfectionism. She shares her personal poetry in each chapter as well. I love how this book shows how Cindy finds deep connections to works of art. I knew Cindy Ingram online first as the author of the wonderful blog Art Class Curator and then I had the pleasure of hanging out with her in person at the National Art Education Association Conference.

Cindy has created an amazing business focused on helping art teachers connect their students with art. She has an incredibly useful website, a podcast about art, a Curated Connections library of art appreciation resources including a full K-5 art curriculum and Art 1 curriculum, and the Art Connection Circle (an interactive small group).

I had the opportunity to ask Cindy a few questions about her book!

1. What makes your memoir different from other books in the same genre?

My book, Art Is About Being Whole: A Memoir, differs from other memoirs in that it incorporates works of art throughout the narrative. If you know anything about me, you’re aware of my passion for looking at and experiencing works of art. I’ve dedicated my entire career to teaching and helping people connect with art. As Art Class Curator, my mission has been to help teachers connect their students with art.

Many people struggle to truly connect with art. They feel like they’re missing something and don’t understand how to look at it, appreciate it, or find value in it. Often, they feel deficient when it comes to art, viewing it solely as a source of learning about art history or the artist. But from a young age, I always knew that looking at art was different for me. There was a magic to it, a personal and soulful connection. It was about learning who I am—seeing myself reflected in the art. It took me over twenty years to fully understand this connection and how to convey it to others, helping them experience the same connection.

When I considered writing a book, I wanted to demonstrate to people that this deep connection with works of art was possible. I could “tell” about it endlessly, but I decided the most effective way was to show them. Every chapter of my book includes a work of art that I interpret through my story. I use it as a metaphor, discussing what I’ve learned and the lessons I’ve gained from the art, illustrating how it’s been a sanctuary for me throughout my life.

The book also chronicles my mental health journey, documenting a shift from shame and anxiety to a place of wholeness. Describing this transformation was challenging; it was often difficult to put into words. This is also where the book sets itself apart from other memoirs—it incorporates poetry.

There were moments when I tried to express something I could feel but couldn’t put into words. That’s where art and poetry converge. Poetry became a means to articulate the emotions that resisted narrative.

This book is truly unique, memorable, and deeply personal. It reflects not only my love for art but also my humanity. I hope it enables you to recognize your own humanity as well, regardless of your relationship with art.

2. What compelled you to write a book?

You know, a lot of people who’ve written a book think that they have this thing like, “Oh, I want to write a book one day, I want to write a book one day.” I can’t say that I ever really honestly had that. And maybe I did. I was curious about writing a book, but I didn’t think I could do it because of my ADHD. I like to do things quickly, and a book is something that takes time to happen.

But a few years ago, after COVID, I was in a place that my coach likes to call “bug soup,” where the butterfly has to disassemble itself and turn into goo once it’s gone into the cocoon. It’s bug parts in goo and has to reform into something different. And that was in this phase of my life, in bug soup. I didn’t know what I was doing. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew that what I was doing was not right. It wasn’t working for me. I had lost a lot of my creativity. And I was looking for ways to reformulate myself and find who I was after you removed all the things that I thought I “should” be.

And I thought writing about my love of art would help. But what’s funny is that my book actually started as an art education book. It began as a way to show people and tell people how to connect with art and give examples of that. Midway through the process, I had written a full 50,000 words, which is close to my total for this book. I had written 50,000 words when I realized I was writing two books in one. Half was an art education book, and half was my memoir. And so I realized, “Oh gosh, this is a memoir.” So, I cut half of the book out and went full force into the memoir direction.

The process of writing the book has changed me in so many ways. And that’s evident as you read the book, too, that I was living the transformation as I’m writing about the transformation. And so it was a very powerful experience, and I feel immensely changed after having written it. I could not have expected in a million years what it ended up being and how special it is to me. I am just so proud of it.

3. What is your professional background and how did that inform your writing?

I have a BA in Art History and an MA in Art Education with a certificate in art museum education. I was initially on the path to becoming a museum educator. I was even applying for my PhD in Art History, fully committed to the academic study of art. I wanted to immerse myself in art and help others do the same, which is still my passion today.

However, I recount a pivotal moment in the book when I stood before Picasso’s Girl Before a Mirror. It was a revelation that shook me to my core and prompted a complete reevaluation of my approach to art. This was the turning point when I officially shifted from art history to art education, and I’ve never looked back.

Following this shift, I pursued and attained my master’s in Art Education. I worked in museums until I was laid off due to financial constraints at the institution. Then, I transitioned into the classroom, where I discovered my deep love for teaching. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching at various levels, from college to K-12.

Subsequently, I founded Art Class Curator because I recognized a gap in the available resources. It was clear to me what was lacking for our teachers at the time—guidance on connecting students with art. This drove me to create Art Class Curator, a platform that has since become an essential tool for educators in teaching art history and art appreciation, which I like to call art connection.

Today, I continue to work closely with teachers, but I’ve also expanded my efforts to reach a broader audience beyond the classroom.

This whole journey is intricately aligned with the book’s content, especially when it comes to the end of the book when, surprise, surprise I start making art again after a lifetime of just looking at other people’s art. I’m not sure I answered this question adequately because everything I have learned, thought, done, and been informed in this book in some way.

4. Would you like to talk about Art Class Curator’s current or upcoming offerings?

You’re always welcome to join “Curated Connections,” my membership site designed for art teachers. It features an extensive collection of lessons focused on connecting your students with works of art, complete with worksheets and PowerPoint presentations. You can find it at artclasscurator.com/join, and it’s open for enrollment year-round.

Additionally, I facilitate group circles through a program called “Art Connection Circle.” This is an intimate group experience where we come together to explore art and discuss our emotional responses to it. If the themes and approach in my book resonate with you, I highly recommend you join the next Circle, scheduled for this upcoming spring. You can join the waitlist at artandself.com/circle. Once I get through the launch of this book, I’ll start putting the plans together for the next Circle! 

5. How can I as an art teacher help my students find that personal connection with works of art?

One of the most crucial steps is to expose them to a diverse array of art—not just the “famous” ones. Show them creators who mirror their identities, tackling subjects they can connect with. Introduce them to artists producing work that resonates with the issues and culture of their generation.

Moreover, it’s imperative to empower them to trust in their own opinions, voices, and interpretations. Avoid telling them what they should get from the piece of art; instead, encourage them to trust their reactions to it.

I’ve curated a wealth of resources and activities on this topic at Art Class Curator and Curated Connections. There’s a training in the membership that covers my four pillars of art discussion, and these aren’t just what you say but your passion and energy, your connection and relationship with the student, and the way you move around the room.

However, above all, the key lies in devoting quality time to discussing art openly, with compassion and joy, and without dogma. 

6. A lot of us, myself included, can relate to your feelings of social anxiety. What helps you when dealing with your social anxiety?

Social anxiety was really the first thing I had to comfort in my healing journey. In the book, you’ll discover the layers I had to peel away to find myself inside. Overcoming social anxiety required years of therapy, delving into the roots of my feelings—-shame, unworthiness, a sense of being unlovable or unlikable. Only when I began to truly believe in my own worthiness could I start to conquer my social anxiety.

There’s a chapter in the book where I introduce my small group of friends. I realized I needed friendships, relationships, a sense of belonging, and connection. I didn’t fully understand how to interact socially then, so I pushed myself to attend a group on meetup.com. Despite the discomfort and anxiety, I recognized these were my people. It was a challenge but a necessary one. And I was riddled with anxiety. It was about having so much compassion for myself during this process and treating myself so gently. Afterward, I’d care for my anxiety, creating a safe space with pillows, blankets, rest, and a lot of iced coffee. 

And there were a lot of thought interrupts too. When I would think, “I’m terrible” or “I hate myself,” I would have to stop and remind myself to be nice to myself. This isn’t in the book, but I used to wear a rubber band around my wrist and pop it when I was mean to myself. It’s a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) trick taught to me by my therapist, but it really helped to notice my thoughts and work to change them. 

It also involved shifting my perspective and seeking evidence of positivity. Instead of dwelling on the negative, I began to look for and trust in the positives. As my relationships deepened, I also found openly expressing my anxiety with my friends beneficial. I’d say, “I’m struggling with anxiety right now. Can you offer reassurance?” Finding this balance helped tremendously. I learned that I am not alone in my insecurities, and many people feel the same way I do. This made me feel less alone and more connected.

Ultimately, it boils down to self-love at my core, embracing my true self. It’s about recognizing that perfection isn’t necessary, that vulnerability leads to a deeper connection, and that it’s okay not to like everyone, and not everyone has to like me. And treating yourself like you would treat your own child or your best friend. Give yourself so much love and grace. 

Also, medicine helped (and helps). Better living through chemistry. 🙂

You can buy Cindy’s new book on Amazon!

**** Art is Basic is giving away one FREE copy of this book to a lucky reader. To be entered, simply leave a comment below. I will choose one random winner after November 3. ***

_{This post is not sponsored by Art Class Curator. I did receive a free advanced copy to read. I feel strongly about this book and wanted to share it with you. If you are an art teacher or art lover I think you will love this book, especially if you also struggle with anxiety and feeling whole. Links are Amazon Affiliate links which means I receive a small amount of compensation at no extra cost to you which go to supporting the blog’s upkeep and expenses.}

How to Connect with Cindy
Connect with Cindy on Social Media
https://linktr.ee/artandself
Listen to the Art and Self podcast
https://artandself.com/podcast
Join an Art Connection Circle
https://artandself.com/circle

Are you an art teacher?
Join Curated Connections for art connection curriculum and training.
https://artclasscurator.com/join