Spotlight On... Christina Alford

8/14/2020

The one who paints with her fingers

Hello and welcome to Spotlight On.. the blog that features interviews with Artists living and working in Mississippi today!

This week we are chatting with Mississippi Delta Artist Christina Alford.

Join in as we talk about how music, family and a happy attitude are staples in this emerging artists practice. Find her on Instagram @ctafineart

Check out the full interview below

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Q. What part of Mississippi do you live in?
A. I live and work just outside of the Mississippi Delta in Carroll County. I've got the best of both worlds! I get to see the gorgeous Delta sunsets and I get to enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi Hills!!!!!

Q. How has it affected your Art?
A. I grew up in a very rural area of Mississippi just outside of Greenwood. We lived out in the country, and as a child, I used to play in the woods behind our house. Without knowing it I grew to have a love for beautiful trees and landscapes. The same is true for sunsets. As a child, I can remember riding through the delta and being captivated by those bright, vivid, and bold colors. The environment that I grew up in has definitely affected my art beyond words.

Q. Tell us about your background in Art.
A. I began painting at the age of 15. I was completely self taught and developed my own unique no brush technique! I never use a brush and instead choose to use my fingers!

Q. What Mediums do you like to work with?
A. I mostly work in oils; however, I occasionally work in acrylics!

Q. Is there an element of art that you enjoy working with most?
A. I love playing with color! It is sooo much fun to work with lively and bold colors!!!!

Q. What's your favorite color?
A. This is tough! My favorite color is pink, but my favorite color to paint with is most definitely yellow!

Q. Do you normally have an idea before you start working?
A. Yes! I always try to research my subjects especially if I've never painted them before. Doing this simple act can elevate the finished work sooo much!

Q. How much time does it take you to complete a project?
A. It can take me anywhere from a couple hours to seven days to complete a piece (depending on the size and detail of the painting being created).

Q. Are there any other channels you use to express your creativity?
A. Yes! I became a musician waaay before I became an artist. Music has always been a passion of mine, and in June of 2020 I celebrated 10 years of playing the piano! It was a huge milestone and just one of many milestones i hope to achieve in my music career.

Q. What role do you see your art playing in society?
A. I want my art to represent happiness and joy. There is so much pain, stress, and negativity going around. You name it, and it's being talked about on the news. I want my art to be a beacon of life and joy. I want people to look at my paintings and realize that life can be happy. Life can be cheerful if we choose it.

Q. How would you like to be remembered?
A. As someone who was kind, loving, a great artist, a great musician, and had a joyful spirit that was contagious.

Q. Tell us about your favorite accomplishment.
A. One of my favorite accomplishments was getting my very first gallery show! It will be in Hot Springs Arkansas in October 2020, and I am beyond excited for it!

Q. Do you enjoy sharing your work with the public and why?
A. Yes! My artwork is meant to be enjoyed so I want to share my work with anyone and everyone I can.

Q. What memorable responses have you had to your work?
A. One of the most recent memorable responses I've had to my work was an elderly man who bought one of my cotton field paintings. He talked with me for quite some time and shared that he grew up on a cotton plantation in the Mississippi Delta. He told me that his father their farmed thousands of acres each year, and seeing my piece made him remember when he was a child on his father's plantation. Moments like these make me feel so blessed that I get to be an artist and connect with people in this way. It is an absolute privilege that i couldn't be more grateful for.

Q. What do you think is integral to the work of an Artist?
A. It is integral for an artist to be true to his/herself and the vision they have for themselves. How they live their lives will be reflected in their work. My biggest hope for every artist is that no matter where they go with their art career, they continue to create out of who they are and not out of who they think they should be.

Q. What is the best thing about being an Artist?
A. Being able to connect with another person over a piece you have created. There's nothing like it.

Q. How do you differ from other Artists in your genre?
A. I place a very large emphasis on bold texture and bright vivid color. I am able to do both of these things by finger painting! Most artist use brushed, but not me! I haven't used a brush in years because I truly love how I can create when I use just my fingertips!

Q. What couldn't you live without?
A. My family. They are my rock and have been my biggest support group on my journey to become a full-time artist.

Q. Have you always had support in your art career?
A. Yes! My family has always supported me, and I can't thank them enough for everything they've done to help me pursue my goals. Whether it be in art or music, they have always supported me.

Q. What has you got coming up?
A. I just got accepted into an art gallery in Hot Springs, Arkansas called Whittington Art Gallery!!! In October 2020, I will also be having my first gallery show! They were major steps for me, and I am beyond grateful for these opportunities!

Q. Is there anything you would like to tell those who are thinking of pursuing a career in the Arts?
A. Go for it, have fun, and enjoy the process!

You can see more of Christina's work on her website CTAart.com
Until next time!

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