About Cecil Ybanez
Bloomfield Richwood is an art gallery established in 2021 in Richwood, WV with the mission of highlighting contemporary Appalachian art. We feature both emerging and established artists in every medium through solo, shared and group shows, with a new show opening every 7 weeks. We host opening receptions at the start of each show, with refreshments and live music. We use our IG and FB pages to post the different pieces in each show in addition to welcoming walk-in guests to our space on Main Street in Richwood. We have enjoyed the privilege of having clientele locally and nationally.
Bloomfield Richwood also serves as the homebase for my own artistic work. You will often find me working on a project or two at my desk in the gallery.
Biography
I am a self-taught artist, currently working with polymer air dry clay and related media, exploring textures and forms. My work tends to have a relationship with nature and the human condition, as commentaries on the world and the times we are living in. After multiple careers in physical therapy, Pilates and interior design, I find myself having circled back towards art and satisfying the artist’s impulse within me to create.
I have made Richwood, WV my home for the last 5 years after living in Florida and growing up in the Philippines. Like most artists, my work is influenced by my life experiences, between living in both tropical and temperate climates, coastal and mountain areas, and urban and rural environments. I also find inspiration in the work by contemporary Appalachian artists we feature in our gallery, Bloomfield Richwood, and work by artists we come across at art shows, galleries and museums.
I was awarded the 2022 WV Emerging Artist and one of the Governor’s Awards in the 2023 WV Biennial Juried Exhibition, and accepted to Artfields in 2023 and 2024 and continue to apply for entry into various area art competitions.
I strive to keep my own voice as unique as possible as I continue to evolve in my work and my influences.
cecildesigns@aol.com
Other Creative Skills
Painting
Drawing
