Edge Life

The Cindi Rose of Texas: When a socialite's silhouette is not quite what itappears

Governor Rick Perry posed for a silhouette in October during a visit to theRose's home
Artwork using her Mother's cookware, a remembrance after she passed away.
Photo by Matthew Williams
A series of Cindi's cast bronze faces welcome visitors to the Rose's home
Photo by Matthew Williams
Cindi's paintings are on display throughout her home, most have faces as acentral theme
Photo by Matthew Williams
A pottery piece created by Cindi...another study of the human profile
Photo by Matthew Williams
Cindi's silhouette of Dr. Michael Debakey from the 1980s, Houston'sworld-renowned cardiac surgeon, innovator, scientist, educator, and statesman
Photo by Matthew Williams
President Obama posed for a silhouette as he faced his own kind of change
Photo by Matthew Williams
Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Cindi with a fresh portrait during a get together lastmonth
Portraits of the Rose family: photographs accompanied by silhouettes
Photo by Matthew Williams
Soft layered colors shape breasts as landscaped hills and valleys
Photo by Matthew Williams
Plastic doll faces embrace in a sculpture of melted toys from a girlhood past
Photo by Matthew Williams
A news article decades ago chronicling a young Cindi's passionate discovery ofsilhouette art
Photo by Matthew Williams
Outside her studio, Cindi continues to celebrate her art with a playful toss ofthat day's work
Photo by Matthew Williams

Edge Life is a periodic CultureMap column that chronicles unusual people with uncommon passion. People out on that thin ridge of life where not many of us have the courage, conviction or will to reach — let alone stay.

Fellow CultureMapper: "She cuts silhouettes"

Me [snarky and dismissive]: "Huh? Uhhmmm...pass"

Fellow CultureMapper: "She has the world's record as the fastest silhouette..."

Me [interrupting]: "Dude, I'm hanging up"

Fellow CultureMapper: "She uses it to raise money for charities — good causes and all that."

Me [sighing]: "Fine, fine, I don't see it as 'Edge Life', but I'll give her a call."

So I called Cindi Harwood Rose, Houston's professed and obsessed silhouette artist — a passion spanning 40 years, with as stated, a world record in cutting more individual human silhouettes in one hour (144 to be exact) than anyone else on the planet.

Indeed, over the phone, Ms. Rose recounted celebrities, politicians and other notables and a list of charitable events that through her silhouette art have produced a fair and worthy mass of social good. Of course, one brief phone conversation was not enough for me to decide if she qualified for Edge Life.

I had to get past the obvious: an attractive well-to-do socialite (a label she summarily rejects); wife of renowned plastic surgeon Franklin Rose; and mother to a son, Ben, and daughter, Erica, Houston's celebrated reality TV star and recent guest of Dr. Phil along with Cindi.

"How about lunch at my house?" she offered. Owing it to readers of this column, I accepted in search of a story.

----------------------

"I don't eat out often" she told me as we munched a fresh, uber-healthy lunch prepared in her Iron Chef of a kitchen. "I just enjoy cooking so much that I prefer dining at home."

And it showed, our lunch could have been served by any of Houston's finer restaurants; with seasonings that only come from a true joie de vie for cooking.

Fortified and with small talk quickly turning to real, we toured the house, stopping at her artworks ... a series of waypoints navigating to the inner artist of Cindi Rose. As we walked and talked, I wondered if this was a well-worn path: perhaps her standard house tour? Or was she opening herself up to me with trust and sincerity?

All the while I struggled to mute the art critic in me wanting to comment on the quality of her art. The temptation that comes from artists sharing their works for all to see and surmise ... where we all fancy ourselves as experts.

Mind you, this was not a tour of the thousands of silhouettes she has created in her lifetime: Rich, antique black paper cutouts of the likes of Elvis and Liberace to just last month Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Texas Governor Rick Perry, who the Roses entertained in their home.

On the contrary, it was a display of paintings, sculptures, pottery and other works she has produced since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Fine Arts; further influenced by study at institutions in Paris, Aspen and New York City.

For every piece of artwork, she offered a detailed story describing its meaning and the inspiration behind it. Testimonies to the people, places and things she wished to memorialize within the confines of her Houston home. But neither an artist displaying her life's work nor talking about its meaning is unusual.

What did strike me as unusual about the artwork of Cindi Harwoord Rose was in what it did and did not reflect. It reflected a desire and discipline to express herself — the process to "be" an artist. Yet that desire was not reflected by any coherent artistic identity in her works; only emulations of others.

But again, this is not unusual. All artists emulate styles as a way of finding their own. It is a normal part of any artist's journey.

I shared my observation with Cindi who paused and contemplated it for a moment. Without defensiveness or insult, she confided that cutting silhouettes may well be a comfort zone for her; not just because of what she says is a "God given" talent, but because of the deep, personal satisfaction she gets from using it to promote the Rose Ribbon Foundation, an institution established in 1997 that provides free reconstructive surgery to post-cancer patients who are not able to afford health insurance.

Hearing her say this made me wonder if for a while now, her dedication to this larger cause has come at some personal sacrifice to her artistic journey.

"Holly was my inspiration," she told me.

When her sister, Holly Harwood Skolkin, was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer (too late for a mastectomy) in 1997, Cindi was inspired by Holly's will to fight, a will that has continued for 13 years. From this grew Cindi's desire to help other women fight breast cancer with special recognition of the importance of their feeling complete to the success of such a fight.

As Holly told me during a phone interview, "when a person has a life threatening illness, it makes your priorities crystal clear. It's not like you want to climb Kilimanjaro or anything, you just want to be with loved ones and feel normal."

Fair enough I thought and since Holly's ordeal launched a foundation to help others like her, I wanted to talk to someone whose life has been impacted by it.

I tracked down Teresa Marroquin, one of many cancer survivors who has received help from the Rose Ribbon Foundation. She told me that "when you finish cancer treatment you are happy and thankful to still be alive, but every time you are in front of a mirror and look at your body you feel frustrated by what has happened ... your life changes."

Marroquin went on to explain that "you cannot even wear a swim suit or a party dress with confidence ... the Rose Ribbon Foundation gave me a new body and helped me build my self esteem."

Let me confess: the original seduction of this story was to assess Ms. Rose's rigor as an artist. As some kind of self-qualified judge, I would decide if she was pursuing her art with an edge worthy of writing about. After meeting her, I realized that I was looking for the wrong edge.

It goes like this: Ms. Rose continues to do this work when in fact she could do anything else or nothing much at all. And for me or anyone else to assess her motivation misses the point that like her art, the silhouette of Cindi Rose is cut from her shapes as an artist, wife, mother, socialite and philanthropist.

So it is the layering of all these shapes that I think do in fact come together to produce her edge: one where for decades now, she, through her foundation, has helped women find normalcy in a suddenly terrifying and abnormal world.

On this I give her sister Holly the last word, "after so many years of battling cancer with Cindi and her family by my side the whole way, I know how beautiful and loving she is in her heart ... this is the Cindi I know."

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These are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE

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This weekend is definitely going to be a Wicked one.

The long-awaited movie adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical will be playing in theaters all over the place, and there will be some Wicked-themed events popping off this weekend. But we shouldn’t forget about live music from Lisa Morales and Christopher Seymore & The Western Cosplay, film screenings of a Pedro Almodovar classic and an animated manga adaptation from Japan, a couple of shucking-related events, and, last but not least, TURTLE-RACING!

Read on for this weekend’s best bets.

Thursday, November 21

Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society presents Shuck Cancer Houston
The Houston Young Professionals for the American Cancer Society will present the annual Shuck Cancer Houston. The evening will feature wine and oyster pairings and non-oyster cuisine from top local seafood eateries, live music, a silent auction, and more. The American Cancer Society will also recognize top achievements from the Shuck Cancer Pearl Honorees and community partners. 7 pm.

Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents Shucked
Speaking of shucking, if you’re a musical lover who’ll definitely see Wicked this weekend, you may also want to catch this show before it becomes a feature film. Shucked is a Tony-winning musical comedy featuring a book by Tony winner Robert Horn, a score by the Grammy-winning songwriting team of country stars Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, and directed by Tony winner Jack O’Brien. The corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy an appetite for great musical theater. 7:30 pm (2 & 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 & 7 pm Sunday).

Little Woodrow’s Midtown presents Thursday Night Turtle Racing
This weekend, Little Woodrow’s Midtown closes out its turtle racing season. The Turtle Master orchestrates this unique spectacle, where ten, red-eared slider turtles with outsized personalities compete for glory in four sets of exciting races. Every guest at Little Woodrow’s Midtown has the opportunity to select a card with who they believe is the winning turtle. Anyone holding the winning turtle’s card receives a complimentary drink from the night’s sponsor. 8 pm.

Friday, November 22

Artechouse presents Holiday Spectacular
Artechouse presents the first-ever, immersive Houston Holiday Spectacular, an experience that brings the wonder of the season to life through art, technology, and interactive design. The event invites Houstonians to unwind and reconnect with the joy of the holidays through a captivating blend of digital art, sound, and interactivity. The limited-run exhibit reimagines popular holiday and ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) themes through digital landscapes. Through Sunday, January 5. 10 am.

Ebubay presents "Future Forward Africa"
Over at Hooks-Epstein Galleries, Ebubay will present "Future Forward Africa," an evening where modern and contemporary African art will be for sale. The exclusive one-day event offers collectors and art enthusiasts an opportunity to acquire investment-worthy pieces by some of Africa’s most renowned artists. The sale will feature works from celebrated African talents such as Sam Ebohon, George Edozie, and Duke Asidere. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents All About My Mother (Todo sobre mi madre)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Pedro Almodovar’s All About My Mother tells the story of Manuela (Cecilia Roth), who copes with a tragic loss that leads her back to a home she left. She meets Rosa (Penélope Cruz), a pregnant nun, and ends up working for Huma, the actress Manuela’s son admired while touring A Streetcar Named Desire — the show that led to the tragedy with which Manuela is reconciling. MFAH audio-visual technician Rob Arcos will introduce the film. 7 pm.

Lewis Black: Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour
Comedian Lewis Black presents his Goodbye Yeller Brick Road, The Final Tour. After over 35 years as a touring stand-up comedian, Black is parking his tour bus for good, marking the end of his world touring career. Black will write the next chapter of his career by going back to his roots and focusing on writing a new play, penning a new book, and expanding his podcast, RantCast, to include live recordings. But let’s hope he tells his famous bit about finding “the end of the universe” in Houston one last time. 8 pm.

Saturday, November 23

Comic Indie Con
Comic Indie Con is a celebration of independent media culture, exploring the world of indie comics, board games, arts and crafts, and more. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of comics and discover unique stories that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Throughout the day, there will be panel discussions featuring industry professionals, artists, and writers, who will share their insights and experiences. Visitors are encouraged to showcase their creativity by dressing up as their favorite indie comic book character. 10 am.

The Union Kitchen presents Wicked Brunch and Cocktails
All five of The Union Kitchen’s Houston-area locations will celebrate the release of Wicked with a two-day, Wicked-themed brunch. This spellbinding-themed brunch will thrill fans of the iconic musical finally coming to the big screen. Step into a world inspired by the Land of Oz, where guests will enjoy a delicious brunch amidst enchanting decor that echoes Glinda and Elphaba's magical friendship and rivalry. This brunch is perfect for fans ready to embrace their inner Good Witch — or Wicked side. 10 am.

Cactus Music presents Lisa Morales
Yes, Cactus Music will be getting into the Wicked spirit with a soundtrack listening party on Sunday. But the store will also welcome Lisa Morales to its live stage. Marrying different genres — Mexican and American, traditional and contemporary — has of course long been part of her wheelhouse, especially in Sisters Morales. But, as a solo artist, her vibrant melange of musical flavors and different languages is artful enough to distinguish Morales’ embrace of “Spanglish” not just as part of the mix, but as practically a genre unto itself. 1 pm.

Christopher Seymore and The Western Cosplay in concert
Christopher Seymore and his band, The Western Cosplay, will host a concert and record a live album at the Continental Club in Midtown. The show will be captured in a full documentary-style concert video as the band launches their album fundraiser. The evening will feature album pre-orders, exclusive merchandise, live shirt printing, and a custom bandana station. Johnny Falstaff & The Starlight Lounge will be the opening act. After the concert, there will be an afterparty at Two Headed Dog. 8 pm.

Sunday, November 24

Mutiny Wine Room presents Paella Sunday
Just in time for the holidays, head over to Mutiny Wine Room for a cozy culinary experience. Watch chef Eduardo Alcayaga cook his famous seasonal paella over a live fire on the patio while sharing his expert tips. Diners can enjoy wine and appetizers by the outdoor heaters before sitting down to savor the freshly prepared paella. A serving of paella will be $38, while a Spanish wine pairing will be $15 by the glass and $56 by the bottle. This event will also happen on Sunday, December 29. Seatings at 1, 4, and 6:30 pm.

Asia Society Texas Center presents Children of the Sea
Dive into mysterious waters with Children of the Sea, an anime film based on a critically acclaimed manga by Daisuke Igarashi. The latest feature from Japan's Studio 4°C and is directed by Ayumu Watanabe, with a score by award-winning composer and longtime Studio Ghibli collaborator Joe Hisaishi. This film screening is presented as part of the Japan Foundation New York's nationwide tour. 2 pm.

MagicSpace Entertainment presents A Magical Cirque Christmas
Currently on a 35-city tour, the world-acclaimed entertainers of A Magical Cirque Christmas will showcase a winter wonderland journey, immersing the audience in the spirit of the season and dazzling with their talents. The cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists will pull off some jaw-dropping stunts, pushing the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied and human potential knows no limits. 7:30 pm.

$ARTECHOUSE\u2019S Holiday Spectacular$

Photo courtesy of ARTECHOUSE

Artechouse presents Holiday Spectacular.

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Edge Life

The Cindi Rose of Texas: When a socialite's silhouette is not quite what itappears

weekend event planner

These are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend

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