We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christine Riutzel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christine below.
Christine, 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.
I’ve always been a creative person. Even when I’m not painting I always have lists of ideas and projects I want to start. There’s a never ending cycle of creativity I will always have. I suppose I should count myself lucky in a way, however there’s often times such overwhelming sadness that I will never accomplish all my creative dreams due to time and lack of skills. Many artists struggle with creative block. I sometimes hit this block but often can overcome obstacles in a few days.
Every creative I’ve ever met struggles with keeping creativity alive in some way. When we have to focus on other essential part of our lives like finances and relationships, taking time for ourselves to create is often on the back burner. Because we often don’t prioritize that, the creative flame seems to die off.
When I was an amateur I would submit for art shows just so I had a reason to start and finish a painting. It gave myself a reason to make something even if I didn’t feel like or like the theme of the show. Knowing that I would have a great feeling of accomplishment once I was finished and it was going to a gallery kept me going. Because I was homeschooled and never had any formal art training, giving myself that “home work” improved my skills as an artist.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve been a professional artist for 5 years. Most my income has been through murals. It’s something I never dreamed would happen.
I live in a low cost of living area where I can be flexible of when I work and how I work. Because of this I’m able to volunteering on my local art center board, The Southern Missouri Arts Connection and Parks and Recreation.
Lately I’ve been taking a step back from murals and focusing on public art projects, creating personal work, and applying for shows and residencies. Last month I’ve had the privledge in being able to rent my own private commercial studio space where I can continue to create large works and experiment with new materials.
I’m most excited about creating a mural in my hometown dedicated to one of the greatest female artist, Rose O’Neill. She’s been a huge inspiration to me. Most tourists that come to this area aren’t aware of her legacy and that she had a homestead here. Please check out this website to learn more about this mural project. https://www.roseoneill.art/
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?
Being an artist is tricky because there is no single path to success. In other careers there’s usually a clear direction on how to start and advance. I didn’t start to excel until I reached out to other professionals and just asked for help. Put myself out there and made an effort to show I was eager to learn. You can create all the art in the world but if you don’t have great people skills, work through imposter syndrome, and dedicate the time, you will not make progress.
I always suggest to newer artists to reach out, join groups, ask for feedback, submit for shows, show up to gallery exhibitions. There is no right way to be an artist but showing dedication will get you far and make you a more likeable person.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Creativity Sucks by Phil Hansen
I saved this book to read after my solo exhibition last year. I had heard from several artists that I would be experiencing post-show depression. A funk that I have yet to get out of. This book was so encouraging to me. Phil writes of the raw emotions he experienced while making work. It allowed me to fully feel those feelings knowing they will pass eventually. And that being a creative person means taking time off to recover from making intense work.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.beautyfromlight.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/beautyfromlight
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautyfromlightart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beautyfromlight/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beautyfromlightart
- Other: Rose O’Neill mural project https://www.roseoneill.art/
