Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Moeller.
Christy, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up as a “military brat” living in a new place every 2 year or so. This brought me at a very young age to places all over the United States, as well as South Korea and Germany. While I was overseas, my parents made a strict effort to get me involved in the culture of these countries to gain a better understanding of worlds outside my own. In Korea I participated in traditional Korean dance and appeared numerous times on Korean television, reinforcing a “family bond” between our two countries. While stationed in Germany we traveled all over Europe and Great Britain, where I saw what these communities had to overcome due to the devastation of World War II, even 40 years later. As an adult I still come to realizations of things that didn’t occur to me as a child, and that I would not have even known about had I never been there.
One of my favorite things to do while in these countries, was to go to some of the most prestigious art museums in the world. I don’t think I realized what a treat that was as a child, but I can see how it formed my love of art to this day. It was always difficult for me to decide which were my favorite exhibits; Contemporary, Modern, Surreal, Abstract, Renaissance? I always struggled as to which path to follow until I decided to combine all the aspects of painting that I always admired growing up. The surreal subjects of a dream, skin tones of the Renaissance, decorative designs of the Orient and the fashion of the Victorian-era.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My artwork is very much about women and women’s issues in today’s society. I choose to create surreal portraits of enigmatic women which incorporate animal symbolism with a touch of fashion. These elements are designed to give the viewer clues to discover my “diva’s” backstory.
My issues tend to be geared towards how many of us feel trapped in their roles and fulfilling what is expected of us, at great detriment to ourselves. I tend to use a lot of birds to represent either this lack of freedom or the act of breaking out of our cages and flying free. Mental illness or just confusion about our roles take center stage quite often, as my divas are often “falling apart” or are split into multiple pieces. But all in all, I paint my women as graceful, beautiful (if not a bit sad) creatures, that embody the goddesses that all women truly are, despite their flaws.
Do you think conditions are generally improving for artists? What more can cities and communities do to improve conditions for artists?
I think conditions are getting better and better for artists today, as there are more places to show and public art is becoming more accepted. I recently took part in the Phoenix Mural Project, doing a mural near downtown Phoenix. Not only was I surprised at how many talented artists participated in it, but also how many people came by to watch the artists at work and support them.
With this acceptance, however, comes a larger pool of artists to try to stand out from, which creates a pretty healthy source of friendly competition. Sometimes that is just what artists need in order to advance their “thinking outside the box.” The best thing that cities and the community can do to encourage artists, is to get out there and support our starving artists. Go to shows, promote your favorite artists, buy their artwork. Being an artist is a life-long commitment that requires constant learning and reinvention.
Personally, I find that I really lack the talent for self-marketing. My time always seems so limited to begin with, and I would prefer to spend it on my paintings rather than talking about myself on social media. I really appreciate it when people that feel moved by my artwork, take the time out of their busy day to do posts or share links. It means a lot to me to know I have the support of others.
I once taught an art class to elementary school students. A child, who preferred PE to Art, asked me “Why do we have to learn art? What is it good for?” To which I asked them back, “What would our rooms, our buildings, our clothes, our books look like? What would this entire world be like without artists?” It would be a dystopian world without them. So, everyone benefits from having an artist, architect, musician, dancer, etc. in their life. And if you find one that really moves you, support them however you can.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My work appears in periodic group and gallery shows. To stay updated to where my work will be shown next, please got to: www.moellermasel.com
Instagram: #christyamoeller
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.moellermasel.com/
- Email: christy@moellermasel.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/christyamoeller
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/christy.moeller
Image Credit:
Christy A. Moeller
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