Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Ilene Thomas,
Christina Ilene, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve spent a large part of my life travelling and working in the casino industry. In 1999, I settled in San Diego and I love it. I began painting in 2009, after an illness almost took my life. Now after 19 years in San Diego, I’ve moved to Rosarito Beach, but I go to my studio at The Studio Door in North Park to paint.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My art is all about the feeling, the feeling that arises when viewing the work. I love exploration and the richness of my texture. I paint intuitively, from my innermost heart and I go where the paint takes me. At times, that can cause some difficulty, but it’s so thrilling when it all comes together as a meaningful, exciting work. I hope that my work stirs the emotions of the viewer, causes them to pause and reflect, even if just for a moment. I want my work to be felt, submitted to, and immersed in. Explanations aren’t necessary in my work, feeling is the key.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Truthfully, for me, it’s not about the money, it never has been. I want my work to be valued. Appreciated and respected. I don’t have a lot of money but I do have everything I need. I don’t want or need a lot of money. Life is about so much more.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work can be seen at the following galleries at the moment:
Gloria Delson Contemporary Art in Downtown LA Arts District
The La Jolla Sports Club in La Jolla
The Emerald C Gallery in Coronado
Polos Gallery Fine Art in Rosarito, Baja, Mx
Soon also in White Rabbit Gallery in Rosarito, Baja, Mex.
Also in my studio at the Studio Door in North Park, San Diego. I have gallery walls in my studio with paintings on view.
Contact Info:
- Address: The Studio Door
3750 30th St.
San Diego, Can 92104 - Website: www.christinailenethomas.com
- Phone: 760-445-3104
- Email: cthomas1949@gmail.com
- Instagram: @christinailenethomas
- Facebook: christinailenethomas
Image Credit:
Christina Ilene Thomas
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