Chitchat: Christina Maria

January 31, 2012 2

Your Full Name
Christina Maria

Tell us about you.
I am 27 years old and study philosophy. The good thing about university is that you can work at home most of the time – and that leaves a lot of time to work creatively. I love that sense of freedom. I paint or draw almost every day.

That is very important to me as I get my energy from creating things. I can’t imagine what it would be like not to do that.

When was the first time you fell in love with art? And why?
I was very young when I first remember the need to draw. I was encouraged by my family to do so and I would draw stuff and come show my parents what I’d made – many times a day! My father particularly remembers me drawing two crosses over sausages!

Where are you now?
I live in Denmark, Scandinavia.

What makes your works stand-out or different from other artist?
I’ll answer that question like this: as soon as you don’t “just” draw portraits or paint landscapes, your art is destined to be unique. Art is, I believe, a product of everything we have inside us. As nobody else is the same as you inside, their art can’t be like yours. So what makes me different is the fact that I AM different. Maybe in a different way than other people, because I never quite seem to fit in anywhere. But I have learned to accept that and make the best of it. And that “best” – is art ?

What motivates you?
My motivation is a feeling inside me that tells me to create.

How does working professionally differ from being an amateur in your opinion?
Working professionally means you can earn money on another level than an amateur can. I think that is all there is to it.

If you could meet w/ any artist (one) past or present, whom would it be?
Any artist at all – well, I gave the question some thought – but I think I am going to have to go with Kurt Cobain. I would also love to meet Tori Amos, but she’s alive, so I just think it would be wiser to pick someone who isn’t ? Kurt has influenced my life and my art for many years and to meet him in person would definitely be a dream come true for me. I am not one of those persons to put others on pedestals, even when they leave the planet. I like Kurt for the person the public knew he was. Just that: a human being, with good sides, bad sides and a huge talent.

Who (or what) is your biggest influence?
It’s going to have to be Tori Amos. My art is almost always inspired by music – and 90 percent by the music of Tori! Apart from her insane talent and uniqueness, she is also a bright, inspirational person with an interesting past and lots to say. I have read many interviews with her and books about her – that way, she has also taught me a lot about myself and the kind of person I want to be.

What is your life motto?
I don’t have a motto that I use in all aspects of life. I try to be a positive person and to see everything around me as a possible inspiration – even when things don’t go my way. If I was to choose a sentence I identify with, it would be “What doesn’t kill you makes you stranger.”

—–

Tell us several good online resources for artist you recommend visiting?
I don’t know of any.

Do you have a style that you relate to the most?
Emotional art has always been my favorite, even though I am open to most genres. Whether it be dark emotions or emotions of love doesn’t matter much to me. I just want to be touched by what I see. Personally I tend to be touched by darkness and trouble. That has to do with my past, in which I have definitely had my share of dark emotions.

I do think it’s dangerous for an artist to get into the role of “victim”, though. It’s not something I recommend, because it’s very difficult to get out of. We all go through hard times. We’re not all victims.

Can you offer any advice on how to build-up a portfolio / ‘getting your foot in the door’ for our readers wishing to start a career in this line of artist?
Your portfolio is very important for when you go looking for jobs. If you search for jobs online, make an online portfolio featuring your very best work. If you go out looking for jobs in real life, then bring your portfolio along and show it to anyone you think might want to exhibit your work. The important thing is that people see your work. The more people who know about your work, the bigger the chance of getting a job.

Name 3 of your favorite art books.
I don’t know own art books. When I look at art, I do it online. I love the webpages of Dale Chihuly, Alphonse Mucha and Arthur Rackham.

Do you have anyone/company you would like to collaborate/work together?
I think there is something to learn from whoever you can get to collaborate with, so I am open to all offers. My dream would be Cesarr Terrio. (http://forgottenx.deviantart.com/)

What are the artist equipment(s) do you currently own?
I have most traditional media; I have oil paint, acrylic paint, coal, pencils, coloured pencils, water colors, graphite … I love trying out new stuff.

Name 3 tools (or softwares) that you use the most, and tell us the function of each them.
I don’t use anything online.

If you have online portfolio, what is the URL?
My website is under construction right now, but when it is finished it will be on www.christinazone.com <!– @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } –>

—–