Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christine Beals. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Christine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis at 40 years old. At this point I quit working, due to my health issues. My art started out as a way to fill up my time. The first piece s I made were holiday gifts for family, winter of 2014. From that point on my art became my main focus in life. My first solo exhibit and street fair happened in 2019. Since things have evolved in a way that I have never dreamt possible.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Truly my art was born from childhood trauma. I was raised in an IFB cult and suffer from CPTSD. As a young teenager coming out of my abuse, I found so much comfort in drawing geometric patterns. I used markers to fill in the patterns. As an adult I was diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis, so I followed the same path in dealing with the pain in my life. Art has always filled a void for me, like nothing else. In 2012 my husband built a barn, he included a studio for me upstairs. I had seen so many barn quilts online, I wanted one for our barn. My eye went directly to the geometry that I loved in my youth. That winter I made gifts for my family, the following year I had very first commission. The process has evolved where I now create smaller, indoor pieces as well as the larger outdoor installations. My process is all self taught and I consider myself a mixed media artist at this point. Acrylics on wooden panels with paint and other finishes for texture and dimension. Just so grateful for the creative path I have been on.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My life totally changed when I was diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis at 40 years old. I spent a couple of years floundering around in my daily life. No direction and very disappointed with my health crises. Art has helped ,e so much in healing mind and soul.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The lesson I learned is that I am enough, exactly how I am. My art has been a huge part in this shift in perspective. My childhood was full of trauma. Physically, sexually, emotionally and spiritually, these were all affected. With my art I can see all that has been broken, clearly. So much healing g has happened and I know understand my worth.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Folkartbychristinebeals
• Facebook: Christine A Beals