Meet Christina Wells

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christina Wells. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christina below.

Christina, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

For me, creativity is like a vibrant tapestry—woven from countless threads of expression. I find joy in being multi-faceted; whether I’m painting, drawing, composing music, storytelling, building sets, creating events, dancing, acting, or playing the piano, each of these passions breathes life into my existence. They don’t just coexist; they intertwine and amplify one another.

When I pick up a brush to paint, I’m not just creating art; I’m channeling the melodies in my mind, the stories of my heart, the rhythms of the world around me. It’s a beautiful cycle—each medium inspires another, sparking new ideas and visions. The act of creation feels like dancing through a garden of endless possibilities, where every step leads to a new bloom of inspiration.

But beyond my personal artistic endeavors, it’s the connections I forge with others that truly invigorates my creativity. I thrive on the energy of my community—each person I encounter, each story I hear, adds a new color to my palette. I’m an empath at heart, diving deep into the lives of those around me, exploring their joys, struggles, and dreams. It’s a tender and transformative experience; understanding why people do what they do fills me with a profound sense of empathy and curiosity, and that’s where the magic happens.

As I engage with others, I see the beauty in our shared humanity and the uniqueness of our individual journeys. This rich tapestry of life is what fuels my creativity and keeps me alive with passion. So I ask you—how do you perceive the vital role of creativity in our human experience? Isn’t it fascinating how it connects us all?

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

You know, I’ve always believed that creativity is woven into the very fabric of my being. Growing up in Colorado Springs, I was lucky enough to have parents who nurtured my artistic passions. Their dedication to establishing the Colorado Springs Conservatory surrounded me with art from an early age, and I was captivated. It was only natural for me to pursue my dreams further, which is why I chose to study Musical Theater at Webster Conservatory in St. Louis. There, I dove headfirst into the world of performing arts, honing my skills in dancing, acting, singing, costume and scenic design, lighting, and even stage management.

After absorbing all that incredible knowledge, I spread my wings and gained invaluable experiences in New York, Dubai, and London. Yet, just before the pandemic hit, I felt a profound calling to return home to Colorado Springs.

Once I was back, I couldn’t help but channel my creative energy into visual arts. I started showcasing my artistry through murals across the city for remarkable projects like the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Penrose St. Francis Hospital, and in various lovely private residences. I even illustrated the “Simple Gift Series” book collection and its PBS television program, pouring my heart into over 300 intricate illustrations.

As I re-engaged with music, I found myself gravitating away from musicals and opera and towards discovering my own unique sound. I poured my soul into everything from commissioned projects—like the opening ceremony of the Park Union Bridge—to gigging in every local venue I could find. After much hard work, I proudly released my debut EP, “Love/Labor,” with my band, “CC and the Silhouettes,” which is still available on all major streaming platforms.

In a twist of fate, I joined the Community Cultural Collective in 2021. I embraced multifaceted roles ranging from graphic design and event planning to political advocacy and community engagement. While I set my music career aside temporarily to support fellow artists and uplift my community, it has been a truly rewarding journey.

Among my proudest accomplishments is my involvement in the annual “Coroner’s Aud Ball” and the ambitious “Cement Stage Series: Summer Music and Film Festival,” both endeavors aimed at preserving the historic Auditorium building and enriching our local arts scene. Nothing fills my heart with joy quite like creating opportunities for collective growth.

Currently, I’m curating innovative spaces and teams for the “earn-and-learn” workforce programs initiated by the Community Cultural Collective, known as Opus Creative Industries. This role allows me to apply the diverse skills I’ve nurtured over the past 20 years—from mural painting to program orchestration—while also fostering a supportive community.

Yet, as fulfilling as my time with the Collective has been, I feel a deep yearning to reconnect with my artistic roots, to reignite my music and visual arts career. I plan to illustrate more books for the rebranded “Simple Gift Schoolhouse,” dream up new murals and art installations, and most importantly, produce fresh music that resonates with my evolving voice.

I am so grateful for every single step of my journey and for the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Each experience has shaped my growth as an artist, a professional, and most importantly, as an individual.

If you’d like to join me on this next adventure, follow me on social media @ccwellsofficial for the latest updates on my performances. Your support means the world to me—whether it’s through donations, collaboration as an artist, or simply spreading the word. Together, let’s continue to celebrate creativity and community!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back at my journey, I can confidently point to three key qualities that have truly shaped my path. The first, and perhaps the most critical, is the understanding that not everything that glitters is gold. You know, there’s a saying about shiny objects—if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. I’ve learned to approach opportunities with a healthy dose of skepticism. It’s so easy to get swept away by the allure of a seemingly perfect opportunity or person, but trusting those shinier options can sometimes lead down a winding road that doesn’t serve you. Instead, take the time to dig deeper, assess the situation, and trust your instincts.

Then there’s the value of asking for help. This is something I wish I had embraced earlier on. After you’ve given your best shot at something, don’t be afraid to reach out. People innately want you to succeed; they really do! But you must first put in the effort and show your determination. It might feel daunting at times, but acknowledging that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone is incredibly empowering. Leaning on others can provide insights and support that you didn’t even know you needed.

Finally, the third quality is about hunger—stay hungry for what you’re passionate about. If you genuinely love what you do, that passion will carry you through the tough moments. It’s not about keeping count of the hours you put in or measuring your exhaustion; it’s about the fire that drives you forward. There will be days when you feel like you’re walking in place, like progress is elusive. But here’s the truth: hard work doesn’t guarantee immediate results, but it cultivates resilience and growth over time.

And if you ever find yourself needing to step back, make sure you do it knowing that you gave it everything you had. No regrets. Just the knowledge that you poured your heart into your work. When you embrace these qualities—being cautious with distractions, seeking help, and fostering an insatiable hunger for your passion—you’ll find yourself not just surviving the journey, but thriving in it. To everyone starting out, remember: stay true to your path, and let your passion light the way!

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

Right now, perhaps my greatest challenge lies in the current economic landscape. It’s tough out there; many of us are grappling with the reality of making ends meet from month to month. With rising costs and financial uncertainties looming over us, finding the motivation to pursue our creative passions can feel daunting, if not downright impossible. The pressure to prioritize stability over creativity is an ever-present weight that often stifles innovation and artistic expression.

This economic climate can make taking risks feel like a gamble we can’t afford to take. We find ourselves caught in a loop of survival, where the hunger for expression is tempered by the harshness of reality. I’ve realized that while pursuing our passions is essential for our well-being, the anxiety surrounding financial stability can cast a long shadow over our creative instincts.

Moreover, I’ve noticed a growing sense of ego permeating our society. In a world so driven by individual success and comparison, it becomes easy to lose sight of what truly matters—connection, collaboration, and community. Too often, we’re caught up in the desire to stand out, to appear successful, and to fuel our personal brands, when what we really need is to come together as a collective.

Removing that ego is critical. We need to shift our focus from individual achievements to a more collaborative mindset. When we let go of the need to outshine one another, we open ourselves up to the possibility of genuine connection and mutual support. True creativity thrives in environments fostered by collaboration, where artists can uplift one another and share resources rather than compete against each other.

To navigate this landscape, I’ve taken steps to surround myself with a community of like-minded individuals who share not just my struggles, but my aspirations. Together, we emphasize collaboration over competition, nurturing an atmosphere where we can all flourish. I advocate for open dialogue about our shared challenges and celebrate the small victories along the way.

By focusing less on ego and more on collaboration, we can reclaim our creative spirits, even amidst the uncertainty. It’s about fostering a sense of community where we can take risks together, share resources, and inspire one another, reminding us that we’re all in this together.

Navigating this economic reality is undeniably tough, but I believe that by coming together, we can ignite our collective creativity. If we can dismantle the barriers of ego, embrace collaboration, and support one another, we can foster an environment where passion and creativity can flourish once more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bellafreya.com
• Instagram: @ccwellsofficial
• Facebook: Christina Wells
• Other: Spotify, AppleMusic, and other music streaming platforms: CC and the Silhouettes “Love/Labor”

Image Credits

Pictures with: ‘The Reminders’ Aja Black & Big Samir, ‘ICONS’ owners, Josh Franklin and John Wolfe, ‘EddySound Productions’ owner and crew, Matthew Stoneback, City Coroner, Leon Kelly and his wife Heather Kelly, Ford Amphitheater J.W. Roth and Chloe Hoeft, and ‘WuTang Member’ Young Dirty Bastard and crew and High-Key & D-Stylz of Affliction Music in Colorado Springs.

Professional Photographer Credit: Erik Cooper