Interview
Chris Vella
There is no distinction between Chris, her life and her art. All of her life is in her art and her art is in all of her life. Its all rolled up into one. Whatever is happening in Chris’ life and wherever she is - she just keeps creating.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My art and painting have been my professional life, my social life, my therapy, my life saver and, most of all, my identity. Life is not all hugs and kisses, an easy ride. It can sometimes try us, become unpleasant and be full of surprises. Despite the many challenges in my life, thanks to my art, a journey of 45 years, life has always been a fabulous celebration of an inspirational life and creative journey. Life is good as long as we strike the right chord to sustain us and, for me, that chord has been my painting. My life of living art is a wonderful journey full of enjoyment, passion and dedication that keeps my mind open, my blood flowing and my heart pumping for my imaginative self.
In the year 2000, I was involved in a car accident of which someone near and dear to me died. This experience rocked every sense in my body and during that period the pain was so horrific that I felt like giving up. However, once again, I was saved with my creative self. I formed a connection with a sea eagle while meditating and that was the beginning of a series of very large eagle paintings which then was an extraordinary exhibition.
My enthusiasm for my painting and my passion to pass on my creativeness to young people have endlessly inspired me and are still so important to me. They keep my spirits high as I continue on my colourful journey which, I might add, is worth exploring. Understanding the importance of a strong educational foundation I obtained a degree in fine arts from the University of Wollongong and a diploma in fine arts at Wollongong West fine arts college. Upon completion of my education, I embarked on an extensive career in art, which included various art shows, events and exhibitions. Some examples include "100 South Coast Visions" in Berry NSW, Curated Shop window exhibition and curated Multi-Cultural Art exhibition for Shoalhaven City Council NSW. I have had many exhibitions in NSW Wollongong, Balmain, Sydney, Pyrmont, Newtown, Nowra, Bowral. In Queensland, Esk, Toogoolawah and Lockyer Valley galleries, also Melbourne Cafes and Canberra Cafes. I also participated in many group exhibitions and I have work held in collection around the world. I often find it difficult to discuss my work as it does seem to come from my soul, echoing surrounds and thoughts of any particular moment or place in time. My work tends to display a meditative quality, bringing a unity to the imagery and mood which create a powerful yet wistful depth of emotion. I have always followed my instincts and just let it happen. It has been a never ending journey passionately exploring and experimenting with my art and the different paths to enter which leads my work into what I consider many forms of expressionism. My journey is to create in my way with my voice.”
All in a day
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“I like to concentrate on positive issues . however one cannot ignore the social and political issues of the world with so many people suffering. Early in my career, I worked on a painting "Tianiman Square" as I was in shock over the massacre of all those young people. My work these days is all about my innermost feelings, visual beauty and sometimes therapeutic painting sessions in my studio, example I was bitten by a funnel web spider, fort for my life for 24 hours, so, I painted through the pain of the experience before being able to move on. Joyful experiences are celebrated in colourful canvasses that radiate energy and happiness. I suppose some paintings can fit in the social basket for example "Acceptance." This painting is about people who are critical and demanding of others because they may look different, act different or dress different, we are all human.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“This is a difficult question to answer because sometimes I plan an image, work on sketches for weeks but often I jump right in and allow the image to emerge. I don't feel there is only one way to work so sometimes my work is detailed and others are abstract. What I like to do is create feeling with my image and that determines the process used for the image.”
Meditation
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“I love to explore the latest art movements. However, I am concerned with the digital practices becoming far to sufficient and young people will miss out on that beautiful creative inner soul searching experience where one is inspired by their individual thoughts and imagery as the slowly move the paint around the canvas and become inspired by their result. Pressing buttons will not do the same in my opinion.”
A Creative Soul
“I love to explore the latest art movements.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I like to work with oil paint on canvas. In the past, I liked to work on a series of painting. For example, while living in beautiful Woolgoolga NSW I fell in love with the beaches that surrounded me so I did a "Waves series" which was very popular and all sold. The images dictate the technique. I call myself an expressionist because my work is all about my thoughts, my interpretation, my observations, totally worked to suit me.”
What does your art mean to you?
“It has been my whole life. I have 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren which are an inspiration in it self. They are a never ending source of material for my creative mind while touching my senses in a very beautiful way.
Also would like to add that I have travelled the world, Europe, America, Canada, Thailand, New Zealand, Tasmania plus Australia wide. It is important to broaden one's mind, to value life and appreciate beauty in all forms.
I have lived my beautiful bohemian life so far, which is still going at the age of 75.
At this stage in my life, I would like to thank my young budding artists for their enthusiasm and talent. My students have helped my life-long dream of passing on my passion for the love of the arts (especially painting) come true! It is important to me that they have the opportunity o experience a life that is a beautiful journey, colourful, harmonious and full of creative joy.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“I love William Turner Van Tromp going about to please his masters, ships a sea getting a good wetting. A master at creating movement, perspective and mood. It is in my opinion one of the great masterpieces.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have had many exhibitions 53 in total. Most were successful. I have had many achievements - won many art awards both local and worldwide. I have worked on many commissions have work hanging in private collections worldwide, curated large art festivals, workshops and mixed group exhibitions. I have magazine articles in World Wide Art Books, Artist Pallette, Articular European Magazine, Aesthetica, Art Platform Project.
There is no distinction between me, my life and my art. All of my life is in my art and my art is in all of my life. It's all rolled up into one. Whatever is happening in my life and wherever I am, I just keep creating.”
