Statement
“I am a self-taught oil painter drawing inspiration from memories of growing up across Canada. Finding solace in the vastness of landscapes and the pull of personal history, my work is a visual diary, engaging viewers in the intricate textures and patterns of the world around us. Capturing the beauty and complexity of nature, my paintings are characterized by a balance between realistic detail and expressive gestures; bold, harmonious colour palettes; and the striking interplay of light and reflection.”
Drawing inspiration from the diverse landscapes of Canada of my youth, I am fascinated by the relationships we form with each other and our surroundings. The tapestry of my art is interwoven with both personal connections and a larger exploration of our collective history. and a desire to express the beauty and complexity of the world. I aim to evoke emotions, engaging viewers in the intricate shapes, patterns and textures around us. Ultimately, my art is an expression of my inner world. It is a reflection of my memories and my connections to people, places and my past.
I love the richness of oil paints. A combination of traditional and contemporary techniques, incorporating brushwork, palette knives, and unconventional tools, creates balance between realistic detail and expressive gestures. A sense of peace and serenity is characteristic of my work, which includes just enough ambiguity to encourage viewers to explore their own interpretations. Reflection is a recurrent motif, inspiring meaningful contemplation and a deep connection with each piece. I strive to capture the essence of life's complexities and its’ inherent beauty through an exploration of the themes of nature, place, and the shared human experience.
Meet Christie
Christie Baker is a self-taught, contemporary, landscape artist whose artistic path challenges traditional notions of age and formal education. Drawing inspiration from memories of growing up in the Canadian landscape, she finds solace in the vastness of landscapes, the subtle nuances of interpersonal relationships, and the constant pull of personal history. Christie's work is a deeply personal expression of her inner world, a visual diary of recollections that engages viewers in the intricate textures and patterns of the world around us.
Born in 1969 in a suburb of Edmonton, Alberta, Christie possessed an innate appreciation for art and an understanding of colour, scale, and composition. While life's circumstances lead to other pursuits - including time as a competitive figure skater, an advertising account manager, a freelance writer, and an music manager - she always felt an insatiable desire for creative exploration that manifested in interior design and other side projects.
Introduced to oil painting in her teens by a family friend, painting was always on her mind. A move from Vancouver to Toronto, just prior to the global pandemic lock-down in Ontario, provided a perfect storm of conditions, and in 2020, in her early fifties, she turned to art as a full-time pursuit. Her first juried, in-person art show was in June of 2022, and since then she has achieved a number of noteworthy accomplishments.
Capturing the beauty and complexity of the world, Christie’s work is predominantly semi-abstract and contemporary in style, characterized by a balance between realistic detail and expressive gestures, harmonious colour palettes, and the striking interplay of light and reflection. With a deep emotional connection to each piece, she conveys a sense of peace and serenity while simultaneously provoking thoughtful introspection.
Christie's art has been recognized and celebrated through numerous exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. Her artwork has been showcased in ArtAscent Magazine, Fusion Art Gallery in Palm Springs, CA, and other prominent art shows. Her paintings and commissions can be found in private and corporate collections throughout North America. She frequently contributes her artwork to charitable auctions and events, creating a positive impact within her community. She is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Artists’ Network and the Central Ontario Art Association. She is an Active Member of the Federation of Canadian Artists National and Ontario Chapters.
Christie continues to push the boundaries of her work through workshops at The McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Dundas Valley School of Art, MoMA, and the Federation of Canadian Artists. She completed an 8-week studio mentorship with prominent Canadian landscape artist, Maria Josenhas.
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