Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Kendall.
Christina , let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Art and creativity have always been a consistent thread that has run through every chapter of my life. Growing up, the women I admired most were local female artists from my hometown, Hickory, NC. In my mind, these women stood out as independent, strong and full of energy. They were my role models and family friends who invited me into their homes to spend weekends painting and collaging.
During college, I thought that art had taken a backseat as I pursued a career in marketing and PR since I wasn’t working in a tangible “art” medium or graduating with an art degree. However, as I’ve grown in these fields, I realized that storytelling, creative and art is at the core of what makes up amazing campaigns and it’s what keeps me energized in my daily work.
Painting on my own didn’t pop back up in my life until I had been out of school for several years and found myself needing a meditative outlet to deal with the stress of adulting. After posting a few of my paintings on social, people started to reach out for commissions, and I realized that my therapeutic hobby might just be strong enough to expand into something larger. I now show in a local Decatur gallery, keep a running tab of commissions and paint almost every weekend – for fun and as a side hustle alongside my full-time advertising career.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Painting as a side hustle while maintaining a full-time job can be tough! There are times when I find that I overcommit myself and the joy is stripped from the process. I also often feel uncomfortable putting my work out into the world to be scrutinized by others. It takes a lot of bravery to share something so personal and expose yourself to others opinions and judgments. Especially when you don’t know if other’s will see the value that you see in something so subjective.
The whole process is full of worry and “what ifs.” But it’s that tension that helps me grow. Every time I say yes to something that stretches the bounds of where I’ve been, I know I’m overcoming fear and challenging myself to live a fuller life.
I try to closely follow the advice my uncle gave me when I accepted my first job – to “never make a decision out of fear.” That includes avoiding something because you are afraid of the outcome or doing something because you are afraid of what people will think if you don’t. Just follow your gut and the fire inside of you. It may not always be easy, but it will be worth it.
Please tell us more about your artwork, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Most of my paintings are characterized by vibrant colors, textures, and patterns. I want my art to bring energy and joy to a room. No matter whether I’m painting animals or larger abstract pieces, I want it to be full of good vibes.
Affordability is also important to me. I’m constantly floored by the price of original artwork and saddened by how limiting that is for those who cannot afford it. Just like people should have access to fresh, healthy foods, they should also have access to energy-filled, original artwork to fill up their walls.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
People don’t need to have a certain title or be a certain age to be considered mentors. Some of my most influential mentors are people of all ages and backgrounds that I’ve unexpectedly met along the way.
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to share their story or ask about their process. In most cases, they will be flattered and thrilled to have an opportunity to open up about their journey. I find that most of my mentorships are built out of natural curiosity and wanting to learn something or offer encouragement. The more you can give, the more you will get in return.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.christinakendallart.com/
- Email: christinakendallart@gmail.com
- Instagram: @christinakendallart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinakendallart/
Image Credit:
Erik Kendall
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