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BIO

Christian-Rhen Stefani is an Abstract Colorist who began her career at six-years-old. As a child, she used watercolors on paper and did not use brushes. Rather, she used merely her bare hands, some tape, cotton balls, and a few Q-Tips. During this time, her youthful creation was built upon seven different straw splatter techniques that she proudly developed over many years.

As an adult, Christian-Rhen’s chosen medium is primarily acrylics, though she also employs oils and watercolors at times. Although she still enjoys using her bare hands “to get extremely personal” with the medium she’s working with, she does use brushes, squeegees, sponges, painter’s knives, and, of course, straws. Christian-Rhen loves working with diverse supports and does not limit herself to canvas. In fact, her work can be found on glass, wood, pressed board, CDs, plaster, clay and mirrors, as well as canvas boards and stretched canvas.

Christian-Rhen's work has been displayed primarily in St. Louis, MO and Albuquerque, NM. Her painting, Tornado, was selected as the official logo for the online art contest Art Showdown in 2008. Currently, her work can be found on multiple art sites online and can be viewed in the LA-area of California. Her newest exhibition, Reflections, will be Jan. 12-20, 2012 at The Dutton Family Gallery on the campus of Cal State University, San Bernardino.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT

The majority of my work revolves around the emotions and ideas of human beings. I delve into the psychological reflexes that bring personality to the surface. My work is devoid of any kind of representational clutter. You will not see recognizable items such as rocks, fruit, or cups. However, you will see large amounts of glorious color – mixed together to form compelling works of emotionally charged art. Because I do not believe that “representing” an idea or thought is possible using conventional artistry, I only create art that is absolutely non-representational, free of realistic imagery, and that conveys emotional thought and ideas; thus creating art that is expressive in mental fortitude. In this, the style in which I create art has been self-labeled as Abstract Colorism.

In the vein of abstraction, the view of the majority is to create art on huge canvases, so as to confront the viewer with whatever issue the art is suggesting. However, in my work, it isn’t so much about “confronting” the audience with an issue as it is “encouraging” the audience to appreciate the minuteness of hidden details. Today’s world has become so hectic and huge that the smallest beauty is sadly overlooked. This is why I have selectively chosen to create art on smaller supports. I want to stress that beauty and worth stand side-by-side and that, if given half a chance, beauty can be found in the smallest and unlikeliest of places. I wish for my viewers to STOP! – and really take a moment to examine the world around them, thereby reexamining themselves, as well. By creating art on smaller supports, I “encourage” my audience to slow down from the everyday rat-race; to take the necessary time it requires in order to appreciate the world around them; and to give worth to even the minutest of details.

My work has evolved greatly within this world of Abstract Colorism. Although much of my older work tells stories or have messages within them, my newest work does not. This “reinvention” frees me to delve deeper into the psyche of the mind in order to create “art for art’s sake”. In this, I can really explore the choices of color and the different ways of expressing the abstract ideas of thought, emotion, and mood. Reinventing my creative style, while also retaining the principles of it, has permitted me to face my audience with honesty, dignity, and openness. I no longer hide myself behind my art; rather, I am personally reflected through it, thus giving my audience a peak into the very essence of my heart and soul.

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