outrageously joyful art
Growing up in Austin, Texas in the 80s was life changing and left an imprint in my mind of bold, striking color on color.
There is some thing about the energy of that era, the eclectic mix of music that’s combined into the color hues and layers of my art. Many of the vibrant combinations in my work represent early, impressionable years of my life that was unintentional as I painted. The process is soulful and somehow comforting as I recalled nostalgic moments that naturally come to mind.
Snapshots of those memories resonate familiarity and joy as I create…..the loud colors, playful edgy shapes with a sense of freedom and expression that echoes of my hometown.
For the past twenty years I’ve painted for myself and others…in 2023 I began painting with a drive that has become my daily ritual and desire to share these sparks of color and joy evolving on each canvas…my hope is to bring glimmers of happy energy to spaces.
Press:
Round Top Homeworthy: Festival Print
Texas Hill Country Art Guide -2025
Rock and Vine Magazine
be fearless
Sparks of joy are everywhere
〰️
Sparks of joy are everywhere 〰️
Christa 1980
Music has always been a vital part of my life and plays a major role in the creation process in my studio.
My inner child loves to experiment with textures, brush strokes, and new techniques on canvas that organically occur when starting a new piece.
The colors I choose are reminiscent of nostalgic times and a reflection of my joy and energy. Edgy, loud, color on color along with glossy, layered textures are always present in my work.
My Austin, Texas 1980s upbringing and the creative impact that decade had on music, pop culture and fashion are strong influences in my work.
a fearless meditation
The gift of clarity for my next concept comes through stillness and reflection. My creation process starts slow and ends slow, I intuitively know when the piece is "complete". Each work is a process that takes me several days sometimes weeks to know when it is ready to have its moment. Layers upon layers and textures of various consistencies along with saturated bold colors all play well together on the thick, square canvases I love using.
