Female

Artist Statement:

I originally wrote a contrived generic bio statement that would be acceptable to anyone. But after much thought I knew I had to write something real:

I didn't realize my artistic awakening until I was 42 years old when I started bellydancing for exercise. The experience awakened an inner passion that I didn't know existed. It broadened my conciseness to other dancers, artists and musicians from all over the world.

This group which I refer to as the bohemian under ground opened my life to other art forms such as poetry, art and music. For example, learning the skill of zills within Arabic music transformed me into a musician as well as a dancer.

In 2002 I developed my dance skill to the point I could actually perform in public. My fondest venue was Kalisa's La Ida Cafe, Cannery Row in Monterey, CA. The audience was so open to all kinds of new performers ready to cut their teeth with their craft. This is where I met Lana Loukianenko from Odessa, a dancer who fusioned Flamenco and Bellydance together. Here she taught me the beauty of the art of dance. Her beauty, kindness and talent opened a world beyond measures. Among her many talents she was a mural artist. As well as becoming my art teacher and mentor, to this day she is my inspiration to learn and grow in art as well as my friend. She graduated from the Grekov Art Institute of Odessa with a degree in art and is a designer as well as a choreographer and dancer. I cannot thank my lucky stars enough to have met this wonderful teacher in my life. She continues to push our art class to newer heights with every class project. She is adamant that we learn the skills and techniques of the masters and learn as much as we can from those artists who came before us.

Through Lana I met Olga Perry from Moscow. Olga is my sculpting teacher and is one of the most talented people I have ever met. Again, a fortunate encounter which would change my life forever. I have never seen such beautiful sculptures and paintings as from my teacher and friend Olga. She is a true master. Olga taught me that I must follow my passion to create and be dedicated to my art. As she would say "quit talking about it and produce". Olga is another inspiration in my artistic life.

It's funny that I'm almost half way through my life and I feel like I'm just beginning. Through my web page you will experience my journey through art. You will see the changes that happen as I learn and grow as an artist. You will see my early works (which you may chuckle at) and see me as I start to mature in my studies. This is an exciting time for me and I look forward to sharing with you my journey.

My goal is to share with each other the gifts we have to give as living artists with each other and the world.

I hope you enjoy this website as much as I will.

Cheers,

Christine