Cynthia Tom

With over 35 years of experience as a visual artist, Cynthia has become a prominent figure in both the artistic and wellness communities. For more than 20 years, she has captivated audiences with insightful presentations and workshops, and drawing on over 15 years of experience as an art-based healing workshop facilitator.

Cynthia's work is deeply rooted in her spiritual belief in art as a vehicle for healing and transformation. She possesses a profound understanding of the enduring effects of unaddressed trauma within individuals, families, and communities. Through the process of unraveling her own  familial trauma patterns and confronting her "Hungry Ghosts," Cynthia has found transformation and empowerment in the creative techniques she offers through PLACE, a platform she continues to evolve.

Raised in San Francisco amidst a multicultural environment, Cynthia credits influential mentors like African American artist JoeSam and Puerto Rican artist Cris Matos for shaping her artistic social justice awareness. Her feminist artistry draws inspiration from the works of Remedios Varo and Leonor Fini. Cynthia's exploration of her Asian and feminist identity was honed during her tenure as Board President, Curator, and Director of the Asian American Women Artists Association (AAWAA).

Cynthia's impact extends beyond galleries and workshops. Her works have been recognized and archived in esteemed collections such as the Smithsonian's Permanent Art Archives, "What is Feminist Art?" and California Ethnic and Multicultural Archives. She serves as a Pattern Breakthrough Coach with Creative Energy Options under Sylvia Lafair PhD, and holds certification as a SoulCollage® Facilitator.

Among her current distinctions, Cynthia was recently named 2023-24 Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Creative Corp Artist - for her project with Asian American Clinical Therapists to help increase mental health wellness and holistic healing practices for the underserved and unserved communities. 

Additionally, she was awarded the  “California Legacy Artist” title  by the California Arts Council/Youth Speaks.

Through her art and advocacy, Cynthia continues to inspire individuals to navigate their trauma, embrace their identity, and spark personal and societal transformation.