We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Chang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.

Christina, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My artistic journey was sparked at the age of 13. I was at my great uncle’s Manhattan apartment where my artistic aspirations took root. Studying his fashion illustrations, crafted during his time at Vesper George Art School in Boston, ignited a spark within me. My uncle who was known as “Del” was a fashion designer with four decades of experience, who became my inspiration to pursue art professionally. Growing up in an environment steeped in creativity further solidified my path. My father, an architect, was a constant creator—whether crafting furniture for our bedrooms or sculpting imaginative toys. Meanwhile, my mother, a talented seamstress and culinary artist, later ventured into interior design. In our household, discussions about design unfolded over dinner, decisions were debated on new wall colors for our home, and family outings revolved around visits to art museums.
For me, becoming an artist wasn’t merely a choice; it was a welcome and logical continuation of the rich creative tapestry woven throughout my upbringing. The artistic legacy of my great uncle, coupled with the daily expressions of creativity in my own home, my parents’ love of everything art related provided the perfect foundation for my decision to embrace a professional path in the world of art.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, I am Christina Chang, a Chinese-Italian artist based in the Boston area, driven by a passion for creating oil paintings that defy the boundaries of traditional art. My unique style draws inspiration from my rich heritage, diverse travels, and life experiences, employing saturated colors to convey deep and evocative emotions. I specialize in oil paintings, crafting both landscapes and abstract pieces that reflect a contemporary and abstract aesthetic, breaking conventional boundaries through the interplay of color, light, and energy.

Art is deeply embedded in my family heritage, with both of my parents significantly influencing my creative journey. My father, an architect who immigrated from Shanghai, China, instilled in me a strong appreciation for aesthetic harmony and spatial design. On the other hand, my Italian-American mother, a brilliant interior designer and artist, contributed to my artistic vision with her keen eye for detail and understanding of form.

Their profound artistic influence and unwavering support prompted me to study art. I earned a BFA from Texas Christian University, where I was honored with the Nordon Fine Art Scholarship. During this period, I had the incredible opportunity to study art in Florence, Italy, an experience that greatly impacted and enriched my artistic perspective. Subsequently, I earned a master’s degree from the renowned Rhode Island School of Design.

Beyond my studio practice, I find immense joy in teaching and inspiring high school students to harness their artistic skills for meaningful expression. Teaching art has become my second love, and I’ve had the privilege of sharing my knowledge with students of all ages, from kindergarteners to seniors. I am passionate about encouraging others to embark on their own artistic journeys, offering weekend workshops and artist retreats to empower individuals to explore and embrace their distinctive artistic styles.

In addition to being an artist, I am a mother of two children, a wife, and a daughter. Their presence in my life adds layers of inspiration and perspective to my creative endeavors.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

As an Asian American woman I grew up navigating the delicate balance of identity in a community that held few reflections of my cultural heritage. Raised in a biracial family, my mother, with Italian American roots, and my father, from Shanghai, China, bestowed upon me a unique cultural tapestry that set us apart in the suburban landscape.

Despite the quaint charm of a small suburb of Boston, Halloween became an annual test of resilience for our family. The lack of diversity seemed to magnify the sense of otherness, and every year, our home became the target of harassment. The echoes of intolerance manifested in the sting of our egged home and the bitter aftermath that lingered in the crisp autumn air.
However, my family refused to be defined by these challenges. I vividly recall the cold morning after one such Halloween, my father, a model of resilience, washing away the remnants of discrimination from our home. His quiet determination spoke volumes, a testament to the strength woven into the fabric of our family.

Yet, amidst the adversity, a heartening change occurred. Our neighbors, witnessing the recurring injustice, decided they would stand with us. No longer content to let bigotry cast its shadow over our home, they formed a watch, a collective shield against the senseless acts of discrimination that had plagued our Halloweens.

This act of unity transformed our experience. No longer did we feel isolated; we were embraced by neighbors that chose empathy over indifference. The watch, initially born out of a sense of duty, evolved into a symbol of shared values and solidarity.
Through the lens of adversity, I learned valuable lessons about community and the immeasurable worth of supportive neighbors. This became a testament to the power of resilience and collective compassion. Our neighbors forged bonds that transcend cultural differences, creating a narrative of unity and understanding.

In the end, my journey wasn’t just a story of resilience against adversity; it was a narrative that even in the face of discrimination, neighbors can choose to stand together, fostering a sense of belonging that prevails.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

In my formative years as an aspiring artist, I had a traditional private instructor who held a belief in the value of realistic art. Under their guidance, I honed my skills with a focus on precision and accuracy. It wasn’t until later, as I evolved in my artistic journey, that I realized the need to unlearn this narrow perspective and embrace the world of abstract art. This transformation marked a significant shift in my artistic paradigm. I had to confront the ingrained notion that only realistic art held true value. The breakthrough came when I recognized the depth and nuance embedded in abstract expressions. It was no longer about capturing a scene with photographic accuracy; it became about conveying emotions, ideas, and stories through the interplay of colors, shapes, and textures.
Unlearning the rigid emphasis on realism opened a door to a vast realm of creativity. I discovered the power of abstraction, where the artist’s intention, emotions, and the viewer’s interpretation took precedence over representation of the tangible world. Abstract art became a medium through which I could communicate on a more profound level, transcending the confines of visual replication.
Valuing abstract art wasn’t just about appreciating the final product; it was about understanding the intricate thought processes and deliberate choices that artists made in their abstract creations. It required me to see beyond the surface, to appreciate the intentionality behind each brushstroke, the rhythm of the composition, and the subtleties of color relationships.
In embracing abstract art, I learned that skill and artistic merit aren’t confined to realism alone. The ability to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and ignite imagination is an art form in itself. This unlearning process not only expanded my artistic repertoire but also enriched my appreciation for the diverse and boundless ways in which artists communicate and connect with their audience.
As I continue to grow as an artist, I carry with me the valuable lesson of unlearning the restrictive view of only valuing realistic art. It serves as a reminder that artistic expression knows no bounds, and the beauty of art lies not just in the depiction of reality but in the infinite possibilities of abstraction and the profound stories it can tell.

Contact Info:

• Website: christinachangart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinachang_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinachangstudio

Image Credits
Lexi Photography https://lexiphotography.com/