Artist Spotlight Series: Christina Foard
I am excited to introduce you to the last artist in my 2014 Artist Spotlight Series. The series will continue with big things ahead. Christina Foard was introduced to me by the talented Casey Matthews and I am so glad she did. Enjoy getting to know this artiste on the rise.
Athens, Georgia
What is your training?
I have a BFA from Univ. Of Cincinnati but because I decided to pursue a career in communications, I didn’t paint for 14 years. When I resumed, I had to start over completely. I really feel like I’m self-taught. Getting very comfortable with paint is, to me, mostly about putting in the hours and daring to take risks.
What inspires you and your designs?
Right now, I’m painting indecipherable falling still-life items and plates of strange salad-like things. I’m also painting the frustration and missteps in conversations. So my inspirations are my memories, my anxieties, and my inter-personal relationships.
What is your favorite piece?
Beasts in the Garden. 2013
How has the your area influenced your work?
I have just moved to Athens, Georgia. I haven’t met many people yet so my days are pretty solitary. My short-term studio rental is unheated, poorly lit, and small. I think the paintings reflect chaotic, overstuffed imbalanced compositions due to the changes I’m going through. The work is smaller due to the scale of my studio and high in contrast because of lighting inconsistencies in my space. The impact of surroundings is always fascinating. I like where I am with my painting progression right now.
What is your favorite restaurant in Athens?
What is your favorite cocktail?
Dirty vodka martini. Extra olives.
I usually go for an earthy red wine, however.
How do you balance personal life and work?
I have four teens at home, and only one who is able to drive, so balance is sometimes hard to pull off. I basically limit my painting time to school hours. I’ve only been able to paint full-time since October. Prior to this, I had a full-time career and painted at nights and on weekends, and was also a single-mom to my three kids. I find my current life balance much easier to attain, so it’s all relative.
Dream trip?
I think I’d like to hike or bike through small towns in France.
Dream commission?
Any piece large enough to involve my whole arm in gestural marks with the freedom to allow for my quirky imagination
Your favorite host / hostess gift to give?
A Dry Cabernet, usually.
Who is your style icon?
I like informal elegance, stylishly unfussy. Meg Ryan comes to mind, but maybe that’s just because she has messy hair and simple black clothes.
Your favorite up and coming artist?
What is your most treasured possession?
Ceramic wall-hanging of all three of my children’s hand impressions– made right after 9/11/2001. They were three, two, and one years old.
What are you reading?
And also
One of Pema Chodron‘s books.
What are you listening to?
I confess to be listening to Traveling Wilburys,
and Tracy Chapman lately.
Makes me laugh…I just needed some storytelling, I guess. I’ll go back to more contemporary stuff soon- like Coldplay, Adele, etc. I like to listen to classical symphonies while painting.
What are your favorite blogs / publications?
The Painters Table, Hyperalligenic, the Flagpole entertainment rag here in Athens.
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This recent piece is my favorite.
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