Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Barfield.
Hi Christine, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story starts with the love of the outdoors! My husband and I were spending a good amount of time on the Beltline walking, running, enjoying new restaurants and admiring the graffiti and colorful art. I have always loved graffiti and the free expression it encompasses. I was born in Boston, raised in Tampa, and have spent the last 32 years here in Atlanta. I have seen some amazing city art and graffiti. I love to travel. Just about any city I go to I have to stop and take pictures of colorful artwork.
A few years back, my husband and I were walking through Krog Street, Tunnel. I saw a small triangle chip of graffiti paint on the ground. I picked it up and thought I could probably do something with it. My intention was to simply put a hole in it and hang it on a necklace. As I sat with it at my work table, I realized how many layers of paint were in that one small triangle. I started to think about all the stories and words that contributed to that one small piece. So, I started to sand through the layers exposing all the colors and all those stories. From their Layers City, art was born.
My work is very important to me as I feel like I am preserving small pieces of Atlanta. It has been an amazing experience. I have met people painting, spray painting, and just hanging out in different spots in Atlanta. I have made connections with people that I probably would never have met had I not picked up that one small triangle of paint. I am now involved in an amazing art community with artists that are now my lifelong friends.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say it has been a pretty smooth road. At first, finding the right places to show my pieces was hard. I struggled with confidence, thinking that perhaps no one would be interested in my product. Through many artist connections, I have been able to find some great festivals, markets, boutiques and venues to be involved with. I’m not a businesswoman, so showcasing my product was tough, but I did figure it out.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I collect fallen graffiti chips from all over Atlanta. Pieces that would otherwise be swept away put into the trash. I sand through the layers of stories and colors and put the pieces into different settings of jewelry, trays, trinket bowls, wine stoppers, and other fun items. Each piece is unique because I never get the same colors or designs. My most sought-after pieces are from Krog Street Tunnel. So many people feel a connection to that area. I am truly honored to preserve pieces of stories that may not have otherwise been told if it was not for the amazing free expression people have.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My list of supporters is long. My family has been amazing. My husband is my biggest supporter. He’s the first to tell me I’m doing great. He’s always there to lend to hand with packing, unpacking, and setting up my markets. My artist friends are the best. They have given me so much support and advice. I couldn’t do what I do without them.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @layerscityart
Image Credits
Ted Barfield Ginny Burt
