Who ART you? 07
Love a girl who paints abstracts with great shapes and beautiful color! Please meet Christina Flowers!
Christina Flowers
Who ART You?
How did you grow up? I grew up with a love of the outdoors and outdoor sports. I craved adventure into the unknown which included the world of art, photography and travel to foreign lands. We had a subscription to National Geographic and for a time I dreamed of being a National Geographic Photographer.
I became an artist because……There has always been a string attached to my heart, pulling me in that direction. I pursued Architecture first and found that I love the making more than the planning.
What brought you to art? Architecture school was like five years of art exploration. We had open studios with access to silk screening, photography, a wood shop, print making, pottery and welding. I would collage, draw with oil pastels, paint in ink with paintbrushes I made. I would create models with chip board, resin, paper, anything I could find. I would draw on an endless spool of paper and always carried a sketchbook. The exploration and presentation of ideas was so important and I found that I really enjoyed what I could create with my own two hands.
Describe your favorite art piece that you had trouble letting go. Last fall I released my first full collection of original paintings. It was a very meaningful process for me and I found it hard to see them all go. But once they found their new homes, it opened the door and space in my heart and mind for new work.
If you could come back and live as any artist, (alive or dead) who would it be & why? Alexander Calder. I love the way his sculptures and mobiles transform a space. The form, balance and movement of shape is fascinating to me. I’d love to be a part of the process of creating art that large - it is exhilarating to me. I also would not mind living the life of Ray Eames for a bit. She had a magical mind!
Who, what influences your art? There are many things that influence my art, but I think that at the heart of it is the outdoors and the adventures promised. The mountains really do call to me, especially when they are covered in snow. I love the thrill of being just outside of my comfort zone. The way my heart races - I try to bring that feeling to my art practice.
What has art taught you? To slow down. To live in the moment and focus on just one thing at at time - the brush in my hand, the paint on the canvas.
Favorite/best resources as an artist? Other artists! I’m finding how open and helpful other artist can be if I am open and helpful in return. It is truly wonderful to be a part of a community. The Emily Jeffords Mastermind is currently a large part of my artistic community.
What becomes a magical instrument in your hands? I love my screen printing squeegees I have multiple sizes and really let go when I paint with them. It is such a physical way to paint at a large scale, pushing and pulling paint across the canvas.
What medium do you use? Why? I paint with acrylic paint. I love the richness of solid flat color I can achieve.
What is your favorite subject matter? Landscapes in the abstract seen through my own colored lens.
What are you still hoping to learn? To scale up. I’d love to paint large murals and sculptures.
When I think of art, I …………. Feel my heart race. I smile. I look forward to what the future will bring.
How do life, business, creativity and art intersect? They feel like separate pieces in my mind, but they are all woven together in daily life.
A defining moment in my life was when……….. A defining moment in my life as an artist is when I left my full time job as a Creative Director in Aspen and moved to the East Coast. Instead of pursing another full-time job, I decided to take a chance, follow my dreams and start my own business.
Best advice I ever got about art or being an artist was…….. The more you play, experiment, and have fun while you create, the more joy it will give back to you. You never know what other people will respond to, but if you have passion for what you make and a love for what you do, the work will speak for itself.
Do you have a ritual or practice any creative activities before you make art? If so, what is it? I don’t have a specific ritual. I create when I’m feeling creative and music is always a part of the process.
Is there a quote that inspires you or that you try to live your life by? “The earth has music for those who listen.” -William Shakespeare
Is there anything new you are planning to introduce in the future? I am currently working on a new collection of smaller paintings. As this is the start of the year, my plans are still forming and dreams are still large. I am always open to new adventures, new experiences and new collaborations.
Name: Christina Flowers
Website: HelloChristinaFlowers.com
IG: @HelloChristinaFlowers
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