Over the Rainbow: Spotlight on Christi Friesen

How long have you been an artist?

Forever! I emerged from the womb with a crayon in my hand!

Where is your studio...and could you describe it?

I am really spoiled – i have two studios, one at the kitchen table for when I’m at home. It’s lovely, with a great view of the tv (hee hee) and my serious studio which is where I do all my office work as well. It’s more spacious, but at the moment, totally cluttered! I wish someone would come help me clean it up.

What materials do you like working with the most and why?

I’m a polymer clay gal of course, but I love lots of other things I really enjoy adding to my claywork – metal, felting, beads and vintage findings... if it can be pushed into the clay, I’ll use it! I have also been a big fan of watercolor and ink illustration, and get to use those skills whenever I’m creating a new book, for marginal illustrations and such. Lately I’ve been playing with epoxy clay, jewelry concrete and resin too. Variety! I love it!

What on your workbench at the moment? i.e. what are you currently working on?

I just finished my latest book (“Flourish”) so my work area has been filled with all the projects from this endeavour. Lots of different techniques, so I’ve had lots of fun playing!

Where do you sell your artwork?

Mostly online and when I travel to teach. I am away on travels so often that I never have as much artwork available as I’d like.

Who is your favourite artist and why?

I have many artists whose work I really like! I try to buy art whenever I can afford to and cover the walls and bookshelves of my studio with interesting things. But my favorite artist is Rene Lalique, who created during the Art Nouveau period – I love EVERYthing that dude created!

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everywhere! Shows, museums, books, magazines, travel, friends.... if it’s interesting, it’s inspiring. I have notebooks full of sketches and notes from things that strike my fancy. Then, when it’s time for me to create, those inspirations mash together to create something that will hopefully be interesting and inspiring for others as well!

Have you had a mentor in your creative life? What did you gain by their mentoring?

I’ve always done things on my own, but all along the way, there have always been folks who were willing to share their knowledge, expertise, advice and friendship. We all need each other, and sharing the journey makes it more fun. So, I’ve never had a mentor, but I feel grateful for so many helpful folks along the way.

Do you teach your artwork to others?

Yes! Teaching is a huge part of what I do! As you know, I’ll be in Australia in March/April and am especially looking foward to seeing your students in Melbourne! I think that the more art there is in the world, the better the world is for it, and I’m delighted that so many people have been interested in learning some of the ways I create in order to enlarge their own creative process. I have taught throughout the US as well as in Canada, Europe and Australia. I am looking forward to a trip to the Philippines next year and any other folks that will have me!

What particular piece that you’ve made is your favourite and why?

I’ve always loved making big, dramatic art jewelry necklaces. One of the first pieces I ever made of this style work is still one of my very favorites. It’s a jungley piece and won several awards. I have a picture of it in my studio (it’s in a private collection), and everytime I look at the picture it makes me smile. It’s a wonderful thing to create something that brings you joy.

What would you say to others to encourage their own creativity?

Have FUN! So often people can block their own creativity by putting too much pressure on themselves to be amazing or create a masterpiece every time. Just have fun with your creativity and continue to learn to perfect your skills and knowledge, the creativity will often emerge spontaneously when you are relaxed and playing.