Crossroads Painting

My name is Christine Allan, an artist based in Chemainus, BC, Canada. My journey began at a young age, driven by a desire to relieve the stress of growing up in an alcoholic home, which instilled in me a passion for art, especially painting.   My work is deeply influenced by my life struggles and places I have lived, particularly the complexities of emotion and moods created by the landscapes around me. I draw inspiration from art history, particularly modern art. The deeply spiritual and emotional abstract work of artists, such as Mark Rothko, help me strive to capture the essence of emotional moments on canvas. This pursuit allows me to explore and convey my own feelings about the world and the emotions that are evoked, providing a unique view of abstract landscapes.   The central themes of my art revolve around open spaces and animals. Through layering and experimenting with colour, such as washing on colour, thick impasto and texturing with gesso and found materials. I explore the use of various mediums, delving into abstraction. This approach invites viewers to embark on their own introspective journeys, encouraging them to reflect on their own perspectives and emotions.   My creative process is both intuitive and deliberate, beginning with either a layer of gesso or a wash of colour. and then evolving through layers of mediums that include metallic and iridescent paints. I often experiment with making my own paint and add found and other items, including crystals, feathers, and detritus, to add depth and complexity to my work. Drawing, wood-burning and other ways of image making are also important in my work. Each piece reflects an ongoing dialogue between my conscious intentions and subconscious impulses, leading to a fusion of elements and layers of complexity.   Ultimately, my work aims to evoke a calm and serene mood and foster a deeper connection between the viewer and the artwork. I strive to create pieces that not only reflect my personal narrative but also resonate universally, touching on shared human experiences and emotions.   Looking forward, I am eager to try new mediums and materials such as fiber with a specific goal to create tapestries in a similar style to my paintings, continuing to push the boundaries of my creative practice and explore new dimensions of my artistic endeavors. In essence, Allan's art is a testament to resilience and the human spirit.