Feature: artist Christiana Myers
I first met Christiana at an ArtsLinkNB event where we both found ourselves on-stage about to pitch an idea we were working on: mine was CreatedHere, hers was the Great Canadian Art Exchange, an art exchange program for artists. I remembered her because she and her idea were both memorable. Since then it seems that she’s popped up everywhere! Christiana recently curated an exhibition of Maritime artists at the Saint John Arts Centre called “Working Title” and was recently hired at Tuck Studio, Judith Mackin’s hip furniture/deco shop that cranks Saint John’s cool factor up several notches. She also works at the museum. This girl is a wearer of many hats! Christiana seems to be in all the right places for an up-and-coming artist, and I thought I’d ask her to be a guest on CreatedHere in anticipation of the fact that she’ll probably be famous soon. She submitted to questioning and sent in her answers and some photos. Thanks Christiana! Can’t wait to see what you do next...
How did you become an artist?
I’ve always had an inclination toward all things creative and the visual arts in particular so when it came time to decide what avenue to take after high school I was drawn to art school (pardon the pun).
I attended Mount Allison University and completed a BFA with a minor in psychology. The academic environment of MTA fed my interest in other areas as well and helped me realize the route I wanted to take following my education.
What mediums do you use?
In my art practice I primarily work in oil on canvas, usually quite large scale. I also enjoy creating installations that use text either through projection or sculpture. I've been trying to spend more time in my studio, right now I rent a space with the Prince William Studio Collective.
Recently, my focus has been more on curatorial work. I love looking at other artist’s work and am excited by the prospect of bringing works together and giving them a platform to be seen and shared.
What inspires you in your work?
I have always been inspired by connections; the ones we have, the ones we make, and the ones we lose. After moving back to the Saint John area after university and living in Montreal, I have come to see the region in a new light. Currently, I’m interested in the connection that people have to this area and to their community. Especially for young people, living in the Maritimes can be precarious, but so many are passionate about staying and contributing. This was the inspiration for the exhibition I curated,Working Title, which featured young contemporary artists from the Maritimes.
Do you have a day-job? Does it connect with your art at all?
I have a couple of day jobs! Primarily I work atPunch Inside/Tuck Studio, a design firm and curated design shop run by Judith Mackin. I get to work on tons of exciting projects that not only make our city look great but help to energize the community as well. It’s a very exciting job where on any given day I get to do a variety of things I enjoy. I could go from a planning meeting to a client consultation to measuring, painting and crack filling all in one day. I also get to look at beautiful design pieces, which doesn’t hurt either!
I also work part-time at the New Brunswick Museum where I am a gallery interpreter/public programmer. Mostly, I help with craft activities for children and adults and present programs on the Museum’s fine and decorative arts collections. I am very grateful that I have two jobs where I get to be creative, work with people, and work with my hands, all of which are all very important to me.
Although not a job, I am also very involved with Third Space Gallery where I am currently the Vice-President of the Board of Directors. Third Space is Saint John’s artist run centre. We are a not-for-profit nomadic gallery that works to bring contemporary artists to Saint John for exhibitions, performances, and artist talks.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
I’m not sure but I’m excited to find out!
Find out more about Christiana below: