Creatively Thinking

  Featured 3D Sculpture: Fish There are no rules for our creative journeys. If there were, we would all be wind-up toys heading in the same directions—or no direction—and never knowing what that direction is. I have been collecting wind-up toys for a piece in my new 3-D series (I have enough ideas for my 3-D series to last a year or more, honestly). I told folks during the tour that when I first moved most of the 3-D collection out to its new spot, I just started assembling all my ideas. Finally, I had to say to myself – stop, just stop, you can’t do this – so I am limiting myself to three at a time. I will photo a couple of them that are pretty well along so you can see where I am heading with this. One is a hand-carved fish. It came with a letter about who carved the fish. Beautiful history. It is mounted on a turned-upside-down fruit bowl. Hand-turned. Beautiful wood. Some huge cracks in it that had to be fixed. I had no idea these things would take so much time to work on. You ...

  Featured image: Hummer III Play  Play   Play "What we play is life." — Louis Armstrong Couldn’t agree more with him. Creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy—pure creative energy I believe—and when we don’t have it, our life isn’t the best. You can feel it. Play  Play   Play Your empowerment of life is your spirit; your spirit is your creative energy. Let it flow. My eyes were closed. I could feel the energy of the hummingbird’s wings hover above my face. I imagined that little being there, smelling the sweet nectar of my coffee and the red potted flowers next to me—sweet, sweet life.

I'm excited to share that one of my newest pieces, Northwoods (30x60, watermedia on clayboard), was featured in the 60th Annual Manito Art League Art Show —and received a Merit Award Ribbon! This annual show is a special tradition in our region and celebrated 60 years of promoting great art in the beautiful Northwoods. I’m grateful to be part of a creative community that supports artists through exhibitions, workshops, and weekly plein air gatherings. A heartfelt thank you to the Manito Art League for this recognition and for continuing to nurture the arts in such a meaningful way. Being part of this milestone year made it all the more special.

  I'm honored to share that my painting Backyard Birds has been accepted into the 32nd Annual Red River Watercolor Society National Juried Watermedia Exhibition! This year’s show will be held at the beautiful Diederich Art Gallery at Minnesota State University Moorhead, from August 25 to September 19, and juried by the incredibly talented Kim Johnson Nechtman. I'm deeply thankful to be included among so many inspiring artists and grateful for opportunities like this that celebrate the joy and challenge of working in watercolor. If you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by and experience the exhibition!

  Featured image: Travelers The divine in us is there all the time. We just need to wake it up and discover it. It will always be there to travel with us on our creative, very unique, individual journey of life.

  I'm honored and truly grateful to share that my piece " Shelter " received the Gale Wilcox Award, a Special Merit Award at the 38th Northern National Art Competition held at Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Juried by interdisciplinary artist, educator, and curator Jalesa Johnston, this national exhibition showcases a wide range of powerful, contemporary two-dimensional work. I’m incredibly thankful to be included in such a vibrant and inspiring show. Juror Jaleesa Johnston reflected on Shelter , saying it “really captures the emotional central movement of the oceans. It straddles a line between a representational work and an abstract—just like the ocean. I feel like I’m in a boat in the middle of the ocean.” Thank you to Nicolet College, the Northern Arts Council, and everyone involved in making this exhibition such a meaningful experience. Shelter was a deeply personal piece, and it’s humbling to see it recognized in this way.

Featured image: Northwoods A heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited during the Northwoods Art Tour this past weekend. It was such a joy to welcome you into my creative space, share conversations about art, and see so many familiar—and new—faces. Your interest, encouragement, and thoughtful presence mean more than words can express. I truly believe in the power of art to keep our communities colorful, curious, and deeply connected—and your support helps make that possible. Thank you for making space in your weekend for creativity, for celebrating the arts, and for reminding me why this work matters. Until next time—stay inspired, stay bold, and keep color in your world. Blessings to all,  Christine