We were lucky to catch up with Cristina White-Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cristina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects that I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of has been the Bold beauty project. Bold Beauty project pairs photographers with women from all different backgrounds that have varying disabilities. Do to an unfortunate fall that I had as a child, that led to numerous surgeries into adult hood, I’ve been permanently disabled since my teens. The photographers and women worked together to create beautiful portraits that basically tell each woman’s story, showing the woman and who she really is not just her disability, which I feel like is so important. Often times the disabled population is shown as weak and unable, and these portraits portray the complete opposite. They show strength and the capability and willingness to rise above, no matter what. Bold Beauty Project has become global project now spreading art and disability awareness world wide. https://www.boldbeautyproject.com

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

I am a contemporary mixed media artist, working mostly in abstracts, and also teach art classes to children and adults out of my studio-Studio303 in Buda, Tx. I always say that I’ve been painting my entire life; it’s something I knew I always wanted to do. I guess I’ve been a full time “professional” artist for about the last 11 years or so, and have been teaching for about 9. My work is known for its texture, color and movement. Generally I work on a larger scale, but occasionally I do, do smaller pieces. If you don’t love color and texture then I’m not the right person for you. I have pieces available for purchase and also do commissions. I absolutely love doing commissions for people, I love the challenge of it. The thought of creating that perfect piece for your space, makes me so excited and happy.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, is being able to share my knowledge and gifts with the kids that I get to work with everyday. There is nothing more special than sharing my love of art with kids. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching some since they were toddlers, and seeing them grow into young artists is so awesome.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think everyone at some point in life has had to pivot, probably more than once. The biggest though for me was probably when we decided to have kids. I thought for sure that I would be able to do it all, I was going to maintain my art career, and was working a full time job, but soon after they (twins) were born I figured out that I couldn’t do it all, at least not at that time, so some things had to be put on hold temporarily, and that was ok. I took the time I needed and enjoyed my time with my girls, and painted when I could. As they got older, it got easier and slowly but surely I built myself up again to the point of where I am today. I wouldn’t choose to do any of it differently.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cristinawhitejones.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/ctwhiteartist
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ctwhiteartist
• Other: For classes studio pages- www.instagram.com/artstudio303 www.facebook.com/artstudio303

Image Credits
The first headshot image of me was taken by Queenfriday Photography