Christi Work Art
 

Christi Work

Born in Yokosuka, Japan

Currently living and working in Rhode Island.

I was born on a Navy base to a father who will become an investment banker and a mother who is an abstract expressionist painter. Growing up surrounded with color, art and feminism juxtaposed against a conservative banking culture. Painting wasn't considered a practical career. My mom #Carole Marchand Work fought the battle first. I choose a creative compromise, fashion and graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.  I lost interest in the opportunities the degree provided. I found commercial production in New York and I became intrigued with styling commercials. Working for Charlex.inc. I had the opportunity to costume weekly spots for the National Enquirer and many other commercials while making my way in an offshoot of my fashion degree. I moved to Hollywood, I desired a longer form of the visual art. I started all over in film and TV costume departments. I worked my way up from tiny budget films to huge jobs. Working mostly as a supervisor and key costumer, I had an adventurous work life.  Between films I enrolled in a classic painting school, Mission Renaissance where I met John Paul Thornton. He taught me drawing and painting for a decade. Taking classes between projects and building a body of work I was juried into the Valley Arts Guild (California Art League) began to show my work in 2005. I continued painting and working in the industry until I had 20 years vested in the union pension creating a compromise between Dad and Mom's vision. I left L.A. and moved back East to be closer to family in 2015. I enrolled in RISD to hone my painting skills and work on my next career, earning a certificate in painting.

The influence of mom is apparent in my color palette and love of saturated hues.  The childhood dichotomy of living with a liberal artist  and a conservative banker is where I find inspiration. The space in-between opposing ideas, cultures and views lies another truth, one I am looking to portray in art.