The Casual Artist

Artist's Statement:

My work is an expression of the exploration of myself and my position and responsibility in the world as a creative being. My art begins with wandering. Each painting starts as a walk through my chosen environment, camera in hand, drawn to whatever catches my eye. I’m endlessly curious, and I can always discover something new, even in familiar places. In this work, there is optimism for the future and a touch of nostalgia for the beauty in past experiences. Each piece invites the viewer to join me in this exploration, to spark curiosity, to find and enjoy moments of clarity and connection with the world.

Bio:

Christina is a Minneapolis-based artist originally from St. Paul. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Studio Art from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. Christina believes her propensity for art comes from her genetics. She has a family of creatives and nature lovers. This group includes a blacksmith, inventors, painters, woodworkers, photographers, a ceramist, writers, a dancer and a luthier. Time with my family is always spent playing, exploring, creating, cultivating and learning.

A deeply sensitive soul, Christina is drawn to the serenity of natural environments that offer peace, rich textures, and vibrant colors. These surroundings serve as a source of inspiration and tranquility, influencing her artistic journey. Throughout her practice, Christina has explored a range of materials, including clay, metal, wood, and wax, allowing her to express the depth and versatility of her creative vision. In addition to her studio work, she is an avid photographer, and uses her own images as references and inspiration for her paintings. Christina’s artistic philosophy embraces a fluid and open approach to creativity. She is fascinated by metaphors, abstract concepts, human behavior, and spirituality, all of which shape the foundation of her work. Vibrant colors and the natural world’s imagery are recurring themes that infuse her pieces with life and meaning.

My process is nuanced: I walk, observe, photograph, and then delve into the creative mental state of back and forth between pondering and physically painting. This practice allows me to gradually develop my vision for each piece. I aim to capture not just what I see, but how it feels to be present in these moments. My paintings carry subtle vibrancy—colors that feel alive and speak without shouting. I love how nature offers endless metaphors—a group of trees can speak to community, a lone bird soaring overhead to freedom of mind.

Christina is currently creating oil paintings, utilizing techniques she acquired in the past year to infuse her work with visual and metaphorical depth, as well as strength of color and emotion. She continues her lifelong creative journey with the intention of achieving personal growth and inspiring others to embark on their own creative journeys.