We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Christine Maiato FitzGerald a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Christine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
As an artist, I forever will be learning how to create. I will always consider myself a novice, as the intellectual pursuit of art is constantly evolving with always something new to learn! Experimenting with new materials and processes is a constant and integral component of my studio practice. Hmm…I don’t believe there is a way to “speed up” the learning process. The reality is countless hours of exploration to find what you want to achieve. At this point, the true obstacle in the way of my learning more is simply wanting and needing more time in my studio.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started drawing when I was in elementary school, entering school art shows at the encouragement of my art instructors. I remember flipping through my father’s sketchbooks; he briefly attended Swain School of Design. I did get away from art for a long while, finally following what I like to call that “tap on the shoulder” and go back to college for fine arts in 2008. I work primarily in painting and photography, but am always experimenting with different techniques and methods. Of late, that would include collage and soft sculpture. I also have an interest in interior design and provide consulting services as well, formerly with Ethan Allen. I am so honored to have participated in solo and group exhibitions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island since 2014. With the love, support and encouragement of my hubby and partner, Sean, we established MaiatoFitz Art Gallery & Studio in 2020.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As I mentioned, we opened our very own gallery, MaiatoFitz Art Gallery & Studio. Because of a variety of reasons, we did close our physical location after two years. We have since transformed to a virtual online presence as we continue the pursuit for another suitable location. We can’t wait to have artists return to our venue! I must say that the most rewarding aspect of MaiatoFitz Art was our ability to expose artists (especially emerging) and cultivate the connection between artist and community.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Unfortunately, there still can be a disconnect, depending on demography, that being an artist is even considered a “real job.” Artists are everywhere: from the design of a building to the utensils you eat with and the pattern on your iPhone case. SO IT IS A REAL JOB…especially if you’re the artist, so encouragement is vital. Society can support artists in a variety of ways. For example, opening receptions are incredibly important to an artist, so please attend when able. Make a donation to your local gallery, attend artists talks and events, and of course, buy their art!
Contact Info:
- Website: maiatofitzart.com
- Instagram: maiatofitz_art
- Facebook: maiatofitzart
Image Credits
Christine Maiato FitzGerald