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

Christina, appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

I have always been an artist, and was encouraged from a young age to continue. I was however, not encouraged at first to pursue art as a career choice. I had a solid art foundation in my high school, with exposure to many art medias and was blessed with an amazing art teacher l that encouraged patience with my family and to not give up on the dream of being an artist . The biggest obstacle I had at a very young age was to overcome my insecurities in myself to pursue art. Looking back, I see that that adversity taught me a valuable lesson of persrverence that I know I call upon quite often.

I am fortunate to have had what I consider a classical training from my art school curriculum. a solid 2 years of foundation of drawing, design and painting, along with 3 years of industrial design courses. All were relevant to my current work. Problem solving and good fundamentals of composition and design all guide my current painting decisions.

Christina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My sisters were/art both creative. My oldest was quite talented and my twin sister and I looked up to her and was guided by her work to do well in art. My twin is a graphic designer/trade show designer. whom I consider to be extremely disciplined and highly skilled.

I have a Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Cleveland Institute of art in Industrial Design. I enjoyed working in that field for close to 20 years, primarily in toy design. Along the way, I would enter small local shows to keep my fine arts side in the game when I could. When I was in my first year of art school. a painting teacher recommended that I study painting as my major. This always stayed with me so when I decided to leave the corporate world,I began taking workshops in varies medias and from artists that I admired. I also joined a few local art groups, and began volunteering at an art museum nearby.

I am currently represented by two galleries, and belong to a co-op in Boston, Ma. I have been in many juried group exhibits, have had many solo shows, and have been honored with a retrospective from Wheaton College in Norton, MA. My work has also been recognized with many awards as well and my work are in collections around the country.

I am probably most proud of being prolific in many aspects of art. I have taught art to a wide age range, have helped high schoolers prepare their portfolios for art school admission, have been a mentor to rising artists and am skilled in many aspects of exhibitions. I have headed up a local cultural council. I have curated and judged shows, I am skilled in the art of hanging and other exhibition needs and particularly love lighting an exhibit making it all come to life. I especially love the problem solving in all that I do. I credit this skill to my course work in design. I enjoy painting a variety of subject matter, but I am most associated with landscape work, most notably my tonal works. The challenge of switching things up and being involved in special art related projects keeps me fresh. I believe that this flexibility and diversity allows me to grow my confidence. Volunteering at my local art museum has also grown in responsibility. for I am currently on the board of trustees ,chairing the Exhibitions/Collections Committee. I am quite proud of the diversity of art related work I do. I have juried shows, curated small exhibits, and have taught in a regional art school. I also did some elementary art instruction, which was very rewarding, and extremely taxing.
Lastly I am most rewarded when I can use my experience to encourage other artists to pursue their art related dreams.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

It is so important that we continue to encourage art for everyone. Many schools for lack of funding are dropping art/ theater and other creative type course work and I see this as hugely detrimental to younger students. Without art, we lose the flexibility of thinking that an artist expresses. This flexibility of thought can shape our scientists, doctors, researchers and businessmen. It is fundamental to a growing and diverse world.

Understanding these needs will benefit from education, and proper funding to creative outlets, including cultural councils and grass root programs. Open mindedness to the usefulness of art is key. Art is absolutely everywhere, from the cars we drive to the toys are cats play with, the the mural on the side of a building suggesting acceptance and social change.

It is also important to understand that fine art is not a commodity. Art is highly individual and that individual had to create from within. Bartering for art is executable, but I feel that when one goes so far to ask for a “discount” on a piece it belittles the intent of the work, and adds to the fragility of the artist. Acceptance and knowledge is important here as well.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I mentioned earlier how my biggest enjoyment came from the variety of art related work I do, Collaborating with other artists, being involved in exhibitions, working alongside other students as well as teaching art has not only enriched me as an artist, but allows the flexibility of thought that has helped me grow and be more productive in my life as an artist and as a citizen.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christinabeecher.com
• Instagram: christina_beecher
• Facebook: Christina Beecher Fine Arts
• Linkedin: Christina (Takacs) Beecher