Staying True: On Art, Doubt and the Courage to Be Seen

Interview with Evelyn Christie

1. Tell us something about your background and art journey so far.

I am a 21 year old artist from Dorset UK, I was born in New Zealand and came back to England in my early life. I have roots in Somerset amd Scotland, both places inspire me greatly. Art has always been a passion. My first piece of art I ever made being a colourful ink blown pattern made in preschool! Throughout my life journey its become an obsession- a lifeline even- blending my materials and intuition to create pieces that are slices of my inner life and outer world. Currently I life model which means I become the art, not for ego but empowering as a woman. Inspiring and introducing me to natural forms and connection with other artists.

2. Can you tell us more about the theme of your art amd your inspiration?

I want my art to tell stories and capture essence. My worl explores divine feminine- being a women myself im drawn to this energy! I started a project to create more art and combat my shyness. I approach people on the street, strike a conversation, ask to take their photo and paint them. I look for the out of ordinary and sometimes people cross my path that inspire me! Everybody is different they have their own journey etched on their skin. Combining their essence with mine to conjure a unique energy to every picture. I love to sketch where I go wether it be buses , trains, benches or cafes bringing a sketchbook with me everywhere is key!

Starzeed

3. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life?

Difficulties on my path as an artist... where do I begin! In my later years I struggled with school partly due to my own disorganisation and other personal matters. I dropped out at 17 and went to art college Instead, which I also didn't finish. By the time I was 18 I thought id missed the boat and any hope becoming an artist was lost. I truly thought school and university was the only way to achieve my dreams and it was too late - no more free education. However at 20 I got a government loan and went back, this time school felt like I was put in a sausage factory sliding through to fit the bill, I wanted to keep my authenticity and not bend to achieve a piece of paper. I still have to remind myself a degree is not necessary and is not the be all end all to this journey, I am now at the school of life! It's important to put yourself out there, the first painting i sold was after a day of going in and out of every shop in town asking if they would take my work, which ended up being a star wars shop! I painted Anakin that night! Cliche as it is not giving up and putting yourself amd your work opportunities will come when/where you least expect - a closed mouth does not get fed! Believe in yourself and keep the inner voice positive 🩷

Trish

4. Is the artist life lonely?

Loneliness is a bridge to freedom - a qoute i heard from a friend that really stuck with me . I remember going to a graffiti festival in Glasgow where one of the artists told me to get to where he is he had to often choose between going out and creating art, for every dream there is an element of sacrifice that will have to be made and depending on your goal and current situation, how much Loneliness you have to choose. I sometimes felt like I was missing out but really thats not true, comparison is the thief of joy and staying focused on your path is what matters to me

I also know that learning to enjoy your own company is one of the greatest gifts.

Kate

5. What are your current projects?

Currently I am workimg on 3 portraits commissioned by a mother (and amazing lady) wich is a beautiful dynamic and she has reay helped me understand the character of who im paiting. My newest project is named simplicity. In a world full of chaos we are fogetting the small moments, the beauty in the ordinary and real. A world where we are chained to technology and mussing out on the small moments which make life spectacular. I want to recapture these and remember where and who I am.

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/evelynchristie66/