Meet a NYFA Artist: Cybele Clark-Mendes

NYFA speaks with 2008 Photography Fellow Cybele Clark-Mendes.

NYFA: Hi Cybele, please tell us what are you working on and/or what’s coming up for you.

CC: My work is currently in a group show at the Sande Webster Gallery in Philadelphia. Recently, three of my images were included in the New Works Photography Award Exhibition, sponsored by En Foco, Inc.

NYFA: How do you start on a project?

CC: Often my work comes out of process first and reflection second. Additionally, play is an integral part of the experience. At times, it seems that I am somehow guided to make the images I create.

NYFA: What is an indulgence for you?

CC: Baking and eating a deliciously large chocolate chip cookie.

NYFA: Where is your favorite place on earth?

CC: Venice, Italy.

NYFA: Please recommend something to us, a good book, music, a recipe, another artist…

CC: For an unexpectedly decadent treat, try making “Magic Bars.”

INGREDIENTS:

½ cup butter, melted 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13×9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Place evenly one layer at a time with chocolate chips, coconut, and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars. Store covered at room temperature.

NYFA: What role has the Fellowship played in your life?

CC: Having received a NYFA Fellowship, I’ve been able to refocus on my work, and to rethink my process and methodology as an artist. The Fellowship has provided me the much needed time and space to put towards my practice.

For more information on Cybele Clark-Mendes, visit her website.