Artist Christine Graf gathers fragments of the natural world and reimagines them as art that speaks to resilience, memory and healing. Visit her website to learn more.
“Nine Kinds of Talismans” mixed media, 18″ x 18″ x 1″
Nature is the greatest artist, the universe of stars, forests, oceans and mountains. When I create art nature is my partner, co-creator, muse. When I touch a piece of split maple burl with curled edges and a red-eyed center, I’m inspired.
“Mending the Past” mixed media, 8″ x 8″ x 1″
Each natural element I use expresses its materiality, it’s tactile appeal, its connection to touch. River stones offer gravitas as earth’s center smoothed by lapping water. A piece of driftwood softened and shaped by time and weather represents the poetry that was inside the tree.
“The Laws of Light” mixed media, 8″ x 8″ x 1.5″
Rusted metal represents resilience and strength. A shard of onyx offers elegance and luxury. All these elements have lived a life and provide the beauty of the natural world.
“The Moon’s Many Moods” mixed media, 10″ x 10″ x 1.5″
I believe that art and art making heals. Creating a work of art during trying times is a curative, a means of expressing the ineffable. Over the past several years we’ve experienced great losses from the pandemic, regional wars, the climate crisis and the crumbling of our values as a culture. For the artist the urge is to create and make whole what is broken, and to assert life and a devotion to one’s humanity. These artworks are a reply to the events of our time bringing light to dark corners, offering empathy as an antidote.
“The Fire Inside” mixed media, 10″ x 10″ x 1.5″
I generally work in a series. The Shaman’s Tool Kit I did two years ago is an example of that theme. (more of this series can be seen on the Artsy.net platform) It is about the artist as a shaman, a healer and in search of healing oneself.
“When Yesterday was Young” mixed media, 8″ x 8″ x 1.5″
My most recent series focus on organic and natural materials and the reverence I have for nature, as mentioned above. I also revere timeworn and weathered materials to incorporate in my art because they have a vulnerability that survived the elements. An example of those materials would be vintage paper and books, rusted metal, thread, fabric. All these components have a story to tell and that is what I am doing. Their story becomes my story.
“The Cruciform of Peace” mixed media, 10″ x 10″ x 1.5″
As both artist and alchemist, I weave these elements into my artwork and celebrate their grace and gifts. They offer a connection to our humanity and I too, become more human.
“The Markers of Grief” mixed media, 8″ x 8″ x 1.5″
I have exhibited in various galleries over the past 30 years with a one-woman show in the Netherlands, and in Seoul Korea. Also three museum shows in the U.S. and multiple group shows in New York City. Presently, I am an associate artist with Denise Bibro Fine Art. My more specific exhibition history is available upon request.
“We are All Connected” mixed media, 10″ x 10″ x 1.5″
I also am a published poet and am the poetry editor for Gallery & Studio journal of the arts. I have written numerous articles about other artists’ work for said journal.