FMI: Hello Christina! I am thrilled to feature you on today’s blog. Christina is a painter and art educator extraordinaire whom I have known for years.
CC: I am honored to be featured, Fran!
FMI: Tell us a little about your educational and artistic background.
CC: I knew I wanted to be an artist at an early age. I took private art lessons at age 13 and that gave me a solid, traditional artistic training. I first used pastels and oil paints. Then, I got a scholarship to Texas Christian University and while I was there, got to travel and paint in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I also did a study abroad program in Florence, Italy. I then went on to Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to get a Masters degree in Art Education. There, at RISD, is where I met the amazing Fran Mason!
FMI: What are you working on right now?
CC: A series of paintings which I am super excited about! They are influenced by the work of Helen Frankenthaler and Clyfford Stills.
That sounds fascinating! Helen Frankenthaler was a real maverick.
FMI: Do you have a favorite color palette?
CC: I have many favorites–right now I am working with primary colors.
There are so many paintings to love on your website! Two of my favorites are Bold Primary Colors and Calming Life.
FMI: What does a typical workday look like for you?
CC: I teach full-time as a high school art teacher and I am blessed to have my daughter at the school with me. We get to commute to school/work together. I then spend my afternoons working on my art and art business.
FMI: What do you do in your spare time?
CC: PAINT!
FMI: What are you reading right now?
CC: A book by my friend Amy Chambers https://amymchambers.com/product/amy-chambers-second-book/
FMI: If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
CC: There is no way I can pick just one! I love to eat and I love food!
FMI: Name three people, past or present, you’d like to meet.
CC: Frida Kahlo, Oprah Winfrey, artist Yu-Wen Wu https://yuwenwustudio.com/ - She was in the ICA Foster Prize Show last year and I am looking forward to meeting her soon!
FMI: Favorite hot drink?
CC: Tea
FMI: If you were a character from The Brady Bunch or The Office, who would you be?
As an Asian American woman, it was always challenging for me to watch TV and not see anyone who reflected me–so to be honest, none
AMEN! I am happy to see that dynamic is starting to change (though, we still have a ways to go) Which reminds me, dear readers, DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!
FMI: What is your favorite movie?
Good Will Hunting. I love a good Boston movie.
Not only does it feature Boston, it is an amazing story. I'll admit it, I blubbered through much of it!
FMI: How do you stay in shape?
CC: I have a personal trainer who helps me with weight training and I run- my husband is my coach and I love spin, swimming, and yoga. I workout 6 days a week.
FMI: Thanks so much for speaking with me, Christina. You are a model of perseversence, forward thinking, and optimism. I wish you all the best for the future!
Want to learn more about Christina's work?
Website: https://christinachangart.com