We recently connected with Christine Romanell and have shared our conversation below.
Christine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I think the challenges of being an artist are part of the reward. I used to have a regular 9 to 5 job as an Art Director. It paid the bills, but I spent many years giving my creativity to my job instead of myself. It was exhausting on many levels to find the opportunities to make – just for me – but I did it. Now that I focus on my art full time, I appreciate it so much more because I remember how hard it was in the past.
I’m extremely happy now, because not only do I have the joy of working in my studio everyday, I have a community that surrounds and supports me. I work in a complex with many other artists, and that infuses my days with friendship and the creative feedback that keeps me motivated.
Christine, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My wall paintings and installations explore non-repetitive patterns influenced by cosmology and physics, while maintaining a foundation in applied design (akin to Islamic patterning). I use rotational symmetry to craft dimensional shapes, which evoke motion and establish an event horizon – something I associate with a realm where the boundless tessellations of universal physics intersect with sacred geometry, bridging the gap between the theoretical and the tangible.
My studio is at Manufacturers Village Artists space in East Orange, NJ. I also spearhead Garden State Art Weekend. My art has been showcased on the Smithsonian Channel and discussed in publications such as Hyperallergic, Juxtapoz, MIT Technology Review, Studio Visit Magazine, All She Makes, Art and Cake, ArtFuse, ArtSpiel, and WoArt. I was honored with an NEA grant for my contributions through Chashama in NYC, and I received a 2022 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I think individuals should not be discouraged by “gatekeepers” who doubt their knowledge of art. Everyone has the right to visit museums, attend local art exhibitions, explore open studios, and engage with artists. Art is for everyone. Take the time to observe and discern what resonates with you and what doesn’t. Treat your favorite artists like you do beloved celebrities: follow them, share their work with friends, and support them by purchasing pieces within your budget that speak to you (whether it’s a catalog, a print, or a small artwork). Surrounding yourself with the art you’ve collected with care is akin to living amongst friends.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Personally, community is paramount to me. More than a decade ago, a group of artist friends and I took a leap of faith and leased a sizable space within an old Victorian factory complex. We sublet portions of this space to fellow artists, and that practice grew. Today, we boast an extraordinary community comprising over 65 artists across three buildings. I’m excited each morning to see my friends and get to work in my studio. Having the support of other artists to bounce ideas off of and problem solve together has been a game changer for my creative progress.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christineromanell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csromanell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christine.romanell
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-romanell/
Image Credits
Duane Romanell and Courtesy of the artist
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