An Endless Palette of Colours
By Christopher H. WellsShe has a way with colors. Wilmington artist Christie Perry has been on the NC art scene for about eight years showing her work mostly between Raleigh and The NC coast. Christie’s work is abstract yet easy to embrace. She draws from a wide palette of colors to express the passion that flows throughout her creations. A lot of her paintings feature the shapes and curves of a woman’s figure as a sort of celebration of life while the colors represent the energy and emotion of life. Perry is also adept a creating texture based works of art that are stunning in their simplicity. The past year found Perry at a creative crossroads. After some soul searching and shaking off the dust, she took her work to the next level artistically and spiritually. The affect is working. Presently creating new pieces for a show within the next few months, admires of her work are impatiently waiting to see where she goes next. Ah, sweet anticipation……
What inspires you to create?
Emotions play a big part. What I’m feeling at any given moment shows in the completed piece. I see in my head a pattern or texture and want to get it down on paper or canvas. I also get inspired when I am out walking - being in beautiful surroundings, creating movement and creative thought. It’s powerful to let those images and ideas get into my body as well as my thoughts, to really sink in and have a clear picture.
If you weren't an artist, what would you be?
I’ve always worked with children, which is very rewarding.
What are your favorite mediums to work in?
I work with acrylics mostly, and sometimes incorporate bits of paper and metal.
I also use charcoals when I do figure drawing. That is something I need to do
more of. Drawing with a model. It is challenging for me and I like that.
Who are your three favorite artists?
Corny probably, but the masters, like Picasso, Monet and Matisse. They are very inspiring to me.
What do you think of the NC art scene?
I think we have a great art scene in NC and here in Wilmington that keeps growing and growing. But there are so many artists here. You really have to put full effort into selling yourself and your work, and go out there and create opportunities.
What got you into painting?
I started out in decorative art. A local interior designer saw me drawing with her children. She told me I could be doing this for a living, and she wanted me to do some murals for her and her clients. I had never painted before so I just learned as I went along. I painted alot of children's rooms and painted furniture. I moved away from that some time ago and just wanted to focus on canvas. Every now and then I still paint furniture if someone asks.
Where can your work be seen right now?
Right now I am opening my home studio by appointment. Monday through Friday in the evenings and all day Saturday and Sunday. Also, you can see some of my work on www.creativewilmington.com.
