Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christine Maiato FitzGerald . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Christine, really appreciate your meeting with us today to talk about some particularly personal topics. It means a lot because so many in the community are going through circumstances where your insights and experience and lessons might help, so thank you so much in advance for sharing. The first question we have is about divorce and how you overcame divorce and didn’t allow the trauma of divorce to derail your vision for your life and career.
That is definitely a very loaded question and the answer is complex. For me, it was a long, but extraordinarily liberating journey. Despite my initiating the divorce after 23 years together, it was still extremely traumatic and heartbreaking for me. And I think that’s a common misconception, that the person ending the marriage is just on their way to their new life without incident. Divorce’s suffering and struggle will strip you down to your core being until there is absolutely nothing left. Then, eventually, something miraculous happens, and piece by piece, you find your way to your most authentic self, because that’s the only thing left. I know it sounds unbelievably corny, but I focused in on my intuition, what I like to call that “tap on my shoulder”. I would follow wherever it was leading me, and early on during the very dark times, it was literally moment by moment. Surrounding myself with emotional support and being kind with myself was most crucial, as well as seeing my therapist on the regular. On good days, I would go for a run or practice yoga and meditation. When I look back and see where I was almost 13 years ago verses where I am now…Holy S**T!!! I am absolute living proof that you can overcome divorce and be who you need to be.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a multidisciplinary artist. At the moment, I am working primarily in the mediums of painting, drawing, collage, photography and experimenting with soft sculpture. I also am interested in interior design and provide consulting services, formerly with Ethan Allen. My newest artistic endeavor, which I launched in December 2023, is an earring line handcrafted with upcycled fabrics, various found objects and acrylic paints. I just love to explore new materials and methods; it’s so exciting to see where they take me! My plan is to expand on this concept to include other jewelry pieces. Another venture I’m considering is clothing that features my original artwork-tees, leggings, etc. As far as upcoming shows, I am participating in a group exhibition, Complimentary Colors, at Gallery X in New Bedford, Massachusetts that runs until the end of February. And in March, I will have three paintings on view at the DeBlois Gallery for their Artistic Alchemy show in Middletown, Rhode Island. Oh, and I will have a solo show in September 2024 on view at the Frederick Douglass Gallery at Gallery X. On a completely different note, as mentioned in the title, I am a certified yoga instructor, and presently studying for my 300 hour yoga certification. I just completed my 100 hour meditation certification this past January.
It’s a funny thing…or is it? Ha! That I’ve noticed there is a definite connection between my yoga and meditation practices and the art I create. They both profoundly inform my studio practice.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In terms of the journey from divorce or artistic|yoga|meditation practices, my advice is the same for all. There will be moments of frustration, but staying consistent is key to eventually pushing through to the other side. Taking the time to recharge your batteries is so vital so that you are able to view everything by the clearest perspective to make decisions to move yourself forward. And most importantly, do not ignore your “taps on the shoulder”, as they will lead you to where you need to be!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would absolutely love to get my hands dirty in a public art installation, such as a mural, or whatever; I love to explore my creative curiosities. So Kat (Knutsen) or Tracy (Barbosa) — if you’re reading this, please keep me in mind!
Contact Info:
- Website: maiatofitzart.com
- Instagram: maiatofitz_art
- Facebook: maiatofitzart
Image Credits
Christine Maiato FitzGerald
