We were lucky to catch up with Christina McGrath recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christina , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

For most of my life, I never considered myself an artist. My passion lay in wellbeing, understanding the body, and exploring different sports. Creativity was never on my radar until I encountered a remarkable woman who shared my love for yoga and surfing. Her wave art captivated me. The way she seamlessly blended wellbeing and art ignited something within me. I found myself yearning to embrace both the surfer’s life and the artist’s soul.

Driven by this newfound inspiration, I attended various events, eager to learn the craft that had so deeply moved me. While no one in the area specialized in this unique fusion of art and wellbeing, Heather Watt graciously took me under her wing. She guided me through the process of exploration and creation, connecting me with mentors who helped shape my vision.

My journey began at one of Heather’s workshops, where I poured fluid acrylic into wave patterns, creating purely on instinct. I deliberately avoided overthinking and let my heart guide me. This approach, free from preconceived notions or fears of judgment, allowed me to create art that I found beautiful. It was liberating and invigorating. Joining an art group in Tairua provided further inspiration and support from a community of legendary artists, even though none could specifically guide my creations.

Emboldened by this newfound freedom, I decided to dive headfirst into a full exhibition, with the ocean, waves, and surfing as my muses. Faye Saunders gave me my first exhibition at The Little Gallery in Whangamata and Tairua. Her unwavering support for emerging artists has been a cornerstone of my artistic journey.

As I continued to develop my craft, I found my niche in surfboard and large resin art pieces. The vibrant, dynamic nature of resin captivated me. Armed with knowledge from fluid acrylic experimentation and a few YouTube tutorials, I began creating pieces with depth, flow, and love. The process became a natural extension of my connection to the sea. From my perch atop Paku, overlooking the ocean, I translated the images in my mind into tangible art. It’s a fast-paced, focused endeavor, demanding organization and complete immersion. I love every moment of it.

“I’m always in the water in my mind; that’s why fluid mediums resonate with me. Watching the paint flow across the canvas, morphing into different shapes, feels like the ocean’s dance. As I gaze at the sea and recall the sensation of surfing, I strive to capture the swell, movement, and power of the water in my art. The rich, layered blues evoke curiosity about the depths. I hope my art instills a sense of peace, adventure, curiosity, and love for the ocean in everyone who views it.”

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?

Hello! I’m Christina McGrath, of Swell Fit Living, passionate coach and artist, dedicated to helping individuals unlock their potential and achieve optimal performance and well-being. My journey into coaching and art has been deeply intertwined, with each influencing and enhancing the other.

My path into coaching and art was inspired by a profound connection to the ocean and a desire to help others find their flow state. My artistic journey began with fluid acrylic and resin art, inspired by the waves, shapes, and movement of the sea. This form of art allowed me to express my experiences and emotions, creating pieces that reflect the beauty and power of the ocean. My coaching journey started with a background in wellbeing, the body, and various sports, which naturally evolved into a holistic approach to personal development and performance optimization.

As a coach, I offer a bespoke 1-on-1 program called “Amplify Your Potential,” designed to help clients break free from subconscious limitations, accelerate healing, and unleash their full potential. The program includes:

Weekly 60-Minute Sessions: Focused, personalized sessions for deep exploration and breakthroughs.
Daily Connection and Check-In: Ongoing support via text or email to maintain momentum and address challenges.
Action Plan and Accountability: Customized plans with clear milestones and steps to achieve goals.

As an artist, I create fluid acrylic and resin art pieces that capture the essence of the ocean. My art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about evoking feelings of peace, adventure, and curiosity, allowing viewers to see reflections of their own experiences and emotions.

Problems I Solve for Clients:

In my coaching practice, I help clients:

Transform Subconscious Blocks: Rewire beliefs to unleash true potential.
Accelerate Healing and Recovery: Optimize nutrition and implement strategies for faster recovery.
Amplify Mental Capacity and Clarity: Enhance cognitive abilities and overcome mental barriers.
Cultivate the Competition Mindset: Develop strategies to perform at peak under pressure.
Access the Flow State: Tap into heightened focus and effortless performance.
Amplify Strength, Stamina, and Agility: Improve physical prowess through targeted training.
Unleash Greatest Potential: Release limiting beliefs and experience profound personal growth.

What Sets Me Apart:

What sets me apart is the integration of my art and coaching practices. My connection to a flow state through art translates into my coaching, helping clients find their own flow in life. My holistic approach combines mind, body, and soul, offering a comprehensive path to optimal performance and well-being. My background in sports and wellbeing, along with my artistic expression, allows me to offer unique insights and techniques that resonate deeply with my clients.

Pride and Vision:

I am most proud of the transformative journeys my clients embark on and the profound impact my art has on viewers. My goal is to stir the imagination, inspire reflection, and encourage individuals to move forward in life with passion and purpose. Through my coaching and art, I strive to help people connect with themselves, nature, and their true potential.

Main Things to Know:

Artistic Vision: My art is a reflection of my soul and experiences, inviting viewers to see their own reflections in the waves, shapes, and colors.
Coaching Mission: My coaching is about amplifying potential, breaking free from limitations, and achieving peak performance in all areas of life.
Holistic Approach: Combining mind, body, and soul, I offer a unique and transformative journey for personal evolution and well-being.
Dedication to Clients: I provide focused guidance, daily support, and actionable steps to help clients unlock their true potential and create lasting change.

Love for others to join me on a transformative journey, whether through the immersive experience of my art or the empowering path of my coaching program. Embrace potential, achieve peak performance, and thrive in every aspect of life.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. My journey is driven by a deep connection to nature and a desire to evoke profound feelings and reflections through my art. Inspired by my experiences surfing and biking, I aim to capture the essence of the ocean and the rhythms of nature in my work. I create with the intention of immersing viewers in the sea’s beauty and power, hoping they see their reflections and connections within my pieces.

For me, feeling is the essence of life. Through my art, I strive to convey a spectrum of emotions—beauty, joy, power, flow, calm, and more. I want people to feel vibrant, alive, and connected to something greater. My work invites viewers to experience and reflect, creating a personal and meditative journey through the colors and forms I present.

Surrounding myself with art that inspires and connects me to my true essence is paramount. I aim to share that sense of vibrancy, uniqueness, and soulful connection with others through my creations. There is a certain vulnerability and profound connection when people resonate with my art, transcending beyond the visual to a shared understanding and love.

Ultimately, my mission is to foster a sense of purpose, love, and connection through my work. By tapping into the flow state and allowing my experiences and soul to guide my creations, I hope to inspire others to see their reflections in my art, igniting their imagination and passion for life.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of creativity and art for me is the profound connection it fosters—both within myself and with others. Creating art allows me to immerse myself in a flow state, where the colors and rhythms of nature come alive on canvas, wood, or surfboards. This process not only captures my experiences and emotions but also invites others to see their reflections and connections in my work. The joy comes from evoking a spectrum of feelings—beauty, joy, power, calm—and witnessing how each viewer interprets and feels the art personally. It’s incredibly fulfilling to inspire and be inspired, to create a shared experience that transcends the visual and taps into a deeper understanding and love for the essence of life and nature.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://swellfitliving.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swellfitliving/?hl=en
• Facebook: Swell Fit Living
• Youtube: Swell Fit Living

Image Credits

Debbie Lim Creative