Member of the Month – Kamloops Arts Council
Full Name: Christine Sherwood
Medium: Oil, Acrylic, Mixed Media, Collage, Watercolour, Clay and using anything that will make a mark.
How long have you been doing your art: I started at nine years old when I was enrolled in an oil painting class at the YMCA in Edmonton. Since then, I have always made art and it was my favourite subject throughout school. After going to art school, I worked as a graphic designer but only painted occasionally. I have had the freedom over the past six years to experiment and create more artwork and it has been a lifeline for me, especially during the pandemic.
What got you originally interested in the art you do: I love to take close-ups of flowers and nature for my “serious” art. I like to try and capture the detail that I see.
What is something you have learned about yourself through your art: I don’t believe that you need to create in one style. Frankly, I would find it boring doing the same thing over and over. I love to experiment with different techniques and media and just have fun. It doesn’t always work out and is sometimes quite challenging, but that’s okay.
What do you enjoy the most about your art: When I paint flowers, I find doing the detail quite meditative and relaxing.
What is your favourite joke/quote: “I paint flowers so they will not die.”- Frida Kahlo
Why are you a member of the Kamloops Arts Council: The KAC is a great organization for the opportunities that it gives to local artists. There are events such as Art Exposed, Art in the Park and being able to showcase your work through Art in Public Spaces. They are very inclusive, and everyone is welcome to submit their art, whether for a solo show or something like Small Works.
What are you looking forward to the most in this upcoming year (A special show or project you’re working on): I am looking forward to working on a couple of paintings to submit for the Spring Canadian Federation show which is held in the Courthouse Cultural Centre. I also have been taking some online courses, and most recently have enrolled in a Procreate course to try painting digitally.