We were lucky to catch up with Christina Massey recently and have shared our conversation below.
Christina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
When I was 14 years old, I got my first paid gig as an artist. A local business owner commissioned me to paint a mural in their restaurant. I can’t recall how they got my name or contact information, but it was a small town, so that tends to happen. I remember being both honored and excited and nervous all at once. At that point I already knew that I loved making Art, and had a talent for it, but I lacked any examples or exposure as to what it really meant to be an Artist. Something about this stranger believing in me, at such a young age, made it seem possible, and I was determined to figure out how I could make my career as an Artist.
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?
I am an Artist and independent Curator. I use found and repurposed aluminum cans throughout my artwork, combined with fabrics, wire, paint and sometimes even blown glass to create botanically inspired abstractions that span from sculpture to painting and installation. I am interested in transitioning this material of consumption and waste into something that feels organic and alive. The cans to me are symbolic for all kinds of reasons from economic, social and environmental, but I love how they can create a connection to the viewer, as a material they understand and know, and an appreciation for the transformation regardless of their artistic knowledge or background. It creates an equalizing space in what for many is an intimidating and elitist industry. For the art historians and critics, I seek to have a conversation about definitions, hierarchies and stigmas and make several conceptual connections to the environment as a place that deserves protection to the environment as a place in which we live and interact socially.
When exhibiting my work, I am particularly drawn to alternative spaces, where I can create a truly unique experience for the audience. For example, last summer I had the opportunity to show in a hospital setting which was challenging but very rewarding. I loved being able to bring joy and curiosity into this setting where the audience was extremely diverse and engaged with the work. Another example was once getting to completely transform several rooms of an old abandoned house, painting the walls and creating work that appeared to be growing out of and through the homes closets, cabinets and doors.
As a curator, I work independently, meaning I am not employed by any one gallery or museum, but rather float from location to location creating unique experiences by bringing together other artists’ work. I created the website and Instagram WoArtBlog in 2016 as a way to promote and share the work of female identifying artists, originally in reaction to the Me Too movement. It seemed like one small thing I could do to help the community that had given me so much. This has opened up so many doors for me curatorially, where I am often now invited or consulted by other curators, galleries or institutions that are looking for women artists. I am very proud to have been able to give some artists their first opportunities for exhibition, and to have worked with some artists early in their careers who have now gone onto great things, being collected into several museums and won prestigious awards for their work.
I have found that the two paths as both artist and curator have been exceptionally rewarding and that the experiences in both fields give me a unique insight and understanding to the other. So often there is a power dynamic between these two positions, one as the gatekeeper and the one trying to enter, and by participating on the two sides of the coin, I am more empathetic and understanding of the challenges on both sides and am able to build trust and a stronger connection that I would be able to otherwise.
Over the past year and ending this February, I have been the curator-in-residence for the artist-run organization, KUNSTRAUM which is based in Brooklyn, NY. At this residency, I got to engage with the art community there, creating opportunities for artists talks, gallery walks and bringing in other curators to visit their studios. I loved this community aspect, as I believe strongly that in the creative fields, it is essential to success to have a strong network of connections and supporters.
As a final project, I have a 2-site exhibition that I curated titled “You Know What You Know” opening in both Manhattan at the Space776 gallery and at the KUNSTRAUM gallery space in Brooklyn this January. The show features five women artists; Tatiana Arocha, Jaynie Crimmins, Amanda Konishi, Saskia Krafft, Nadja Verena Marcin with each location showcasing a different aspect of their work. The exhibition’s theme is inspired by KUNSTRAUM’s mission as a makerspace to serve an array of interdisciplinary artists, including architects, designers, performers and fine artists. Artists in “You Know What You Know” have educational backgrounds spanning from illustration, graphic design, theater arts, filmmaking and arts education. Originating from the US, Germany and Columbia, these multigenerational artists exemplify how personal stories, family connections and birthplace influence an artist’s chosen career path and creative style. Beyond formal training, some of the artists have worked extensively with scientists, engineers and indigenous societies, enriching their work with a multi-layered knowledge that deepens the experience and understanding of their practice; adding a network of insights influenced by place, time and gender.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think everyone is creative in their own unique way, and by embracing this as an attribute in our lives that needs stimulation, time and care, Art will naturally fill that space.
Artists are unique thinkers, and have a lot to offer society, by challenging the status quo to provide alternative viewpoints. I would love to see society embrace and invite Art into their daily lives more often. Some of my own favorite experiences of this have been being invited as a guest speaker and presenting my work to industries such as law firms and investment management companies for example, where by mixing up the daily routine and bringing my presence into the workspace gave an outlet for conversation and creative thinking. Once at a business designed around waste management, I spoke on a panel with a chef, a sanitation department professional and art collector which turned into a wonderful conversation and dialog with the employees. These types of events greatly help artists to expand their networks, introduce their work to new audiences, and provide a small income for their time in speaking, that is perhaps more affordable than the purchase of an Artwork, but that at least contributes to their income. These events tend to be fun and inspirational for all involved, and a great way to support the creative community.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I love making the Arts accessible, enjoyable and welcoming for everyone and strive to share my passion and love for Art with the world in ways that reach much larger audiences than just those who already study, work and participate in the Arts. There is something wonderful about the reactions and enrichment seen through community engagement projects that bring together people of all backgrounds and I try to find a way to achieve this in each exhibition I do. Some favorite moments have been once collaborating with a non-profit that brought translators to bring in new immigrants for studio visits, helping to create a safe welcoming space for those new to the area to engage with the art community. Another great example was once turning the back of a moving truck into a moving gallery, and bringing the Art to communities around NYC where there were no galleries, museums or after school arts programs so that the art was brought to the people. I think Art enriches people’s lives, and strive to share that passion whenever possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cmasseyart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmasseyart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmasseyart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmasseyart/
Image Credits
Lori Adams, Argenis Apolinario