Artist: Christy Kill
Christy Kill with “Volcanic Flow”.
Meet award-winning multi-media artist, Christy Kill. She creates abstract paintings using acrylic, resin, and oil. She has exhibited in numerous locations in the DC area; and a pair of her paintings are on permanent display at the Ocean Cluster in Reykjavik, Iceland.
In 2019, Christy was the recipient of the U.S. Department of State’s Professional Development Fellowship, and this was the beginning of her surface pattern career. She has since sketched, photographed, and painted designs inspired by nature in Iceland, the US, and now Uruguay.
“Not only is Christy a talented artist, but she is also a wonderful, fun and outgoing person. After moving to Montevideo, Uruguay she was one of the first people I met and we instantly clicked! We had so much fun spending half a day together collaborating to create various portraits and in-action photos. I am so excited to share the final photos, and more importantly this in-depth interview where you can get to know Christy a bit more! ENJOY!!” - Miranda
Behind the scenes of photographer Miranda Boller and artist, Christy Kill.
Christy, where did you grow up, and do you feel like this has affected your art?
Fascinating question! I grew up in Georgia, and a lot of my memories revolve around playing outside - building imaginary houses around grand trees, eating muscadines from vines, seeing objects in the clouds as they pass by. My life-long imagination and curiosity has definitely pushed me through creative hurdles and put me on a path of constant exploration. Being in nature has always given me comfort. I work to translate this peace onto canvas.
Explain your background in art:
I took one class at an art studio in Atlanta in my early 20's. Other than that, I am self-taught. My grandmother was knitting, painting, or sewing when I visited and I believe planted a creative seed in my mind. She bought me a Bob Ross art set one year for Christmas and this is where it all began. I watched the videotape (!) and followed along while painting "happy little trees." I became intrigued with oil and figured out how to best use it.
Christy Kill at her home in Montevideo, Uruguay.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
I love the rise of the abstract era - Picasso, Mondrian, Rothko. The idea to do art differently. I will always admire realism as well - Renior is one of my favorites. As for a living artist, I love the colors and seemingly simplicity of Gerhard Richter. I am inspired by all types of arts and thoroughly enjoy visiting galleries and museums. \
Do you focus on one type of medium or different kinds?
I use all kinds to paint with - oil, acrylic, oil pastels. For digital designs, I sketch with a pencil or my iPad and sometimes use watercolor elements as well.
Artist, Christy Kill creating a sketch of an owl.
Tell me about your favorite medium to use:
I love creating with oil for two reasons. One because it's the medium that brought me into the world of painting, and two because I haven't mastered it yet. I am still finding my absolute style so there's more to be uncovered! I also love resin because it's a modern technique and fairly uncommon. It dries quickly so there is thrill in working under pressure.
Artist, Christy Kill in her home studio.
How long does an average piece of your art take to create?
Some take 30 minutes and some take years! It's an interesting thing how one piece can shape up so quickly and others want to pull your creativity out over time. Paintings definitely speak to you!
Artist, Christy Kill painting in her studio.
Where do you find inspiration?
For colors, I am inspired by nature - the inner wing of a parrot, the color of the sea, the colors at sunset, the center of a flower. For movement too - a mountain range, clouds, even in the pattern of sidewalk cracks.
Artist, Christy Kill at her home in Montevideo, Uruguay.
What's your favorite piece of art you have created and why?
I'll show you! It's one of my first pieces. I experimented with oil and was able to manipulate it in a new way. This piece still inspires today.
“Dance it Dancer” by artist, Christy Kill
Three words that describe Christy Kill’s art:
fluid, peaceful, expressionistic
Christy Kill with some of her paintings.
“I am super excited to have purchased this colorful front painting to add to my collection of art in my own home!” - Miranda
Where can people purchase your art?
Check out my website www.christykill.com where you can view my portfolio of past work. If you like my style, I’d love to work on something just for you. You can contact me through my website or Instagram @christykillart. My website also links to my shops on Society6, Spoonflower, and Muse.
Describe your dream project:
I love dreaming big! I have so many big dreams but if I were to vocalize one, it would be to paint something for a city that would live on in perpetuity. Something that inspired others to do what makes them happy. I would also love, if from that, I was able to get many commissions where I was living off of my art earnings comfortably. I see myself in a warehouse full of plants and large windows with cool music. I’d love to have people in and out of the studio and work with a few others as a team. I love giving back, so there'd be a component to help others - specifically kids and the environment.
Tell me 3 interesting facts about you:
I've lived in 6 countries; and visited 18.
I once shot a hole in one!
And, I love to laugh.
Do you have any advice for those interested in becoming an artist in your same medium?
Stay curious and most importantly keep creating. It’s consistency and showing up that will carry you forward. Sign up for my newsletter or follow me on instagram to follow along, I hope to have resources for other artists by the end of the year! I also recommend listening to art podcasts and books, and joining an art group. Immerse yourself and be near like-minded people.
Just for fun, what is your favorite quote?
I have so many, but here's one: “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” – Thomas Merton
Anything else you want me to know?
If I can inspire just one person through your work of putting this together, we've done a good job ;) Thank you!
I 100% AGREE with Christy on this last question. I hope anyone who took the time to read this blog post is now inspired in many different ways - whether it be to create, to learn a new talent, try their own hand at art, get out and explore nature or just support a local artist and buy their artwork. I seriously had the best day with Christy and had to share an additional fact I love about her artwork - she uses her thumbprint as a signature!! Love this!
To learn more about Christy Kill or purchase her art visit her website: www.christykill.com or follow her on instagram @christykillart
Christy Kill showing me her thumb signature on her painting