The Artist at her Grandmother's Table
If you ask Christine Waara how her love of art began, she will tell you it all began at her grandmother's table. As she describes it, everything important took place in that Italian kitchen and she often found herself there, surrounded by adults - "doodling"...and she never lost the love of it. Easel and brush fill her life today, as paper and pencil did then.
Of course, Christine did not emerge from her Grandmother's kitchen as an artist, but her love of creative expression through form and color remained strong. And, as with most careers, she had the encouragement of special people along the way. There was the grade school art teacher, Bobbi Ameen, who showcased her work in the school hallway. And Nheena Ittner, who added to Christine's appreciation of art by exposing her to various artistic styles. And, perhaps most important to her ongoing artistic development was the encouragement of her husband, Pat.
When young children became an essential part of her life, you would find Christine painting at 3 a.m. before the family awoke. Whenever she could, she increased her knowledge and ability through classes, reading and mentoring. Eventually, Christine realized a long time ambition and started painting with water colors, studying with her mentor, Wendy Gwirtzman.
Today, Christine is a recognized artist in Rochester, NY, where her work is often selected for juried art shows and where one of her paintings was recently awarded "Best in Show."
A deep love of any form of work can lead to a satisfying and rewarding career, if supported by others along the way. Christine received that support, but she is quick to say that hers was not a seamless process of artistic accomplishment: "Talent takes a lot of practice!"
It also takes a willingness to risk scrutiny. When you put your work out for critique, you're putting yourself out there...not unlike career transitioners who, faced with the need to market themselves to potential employers, must paint a picture of their value and worth. And, just like Christine, they need encouragement, ongoing development and willingness to be scrutinized.
See Christine's artwork at www.christinewaara.com
Of course, Christine did not emerge from her Grandmother's kitchen as an artist, but her love of creative expression through form and color remained strong. And, as with most careers, she had the encouragement of special people along the way. There was the grade school art teacher, Bobbi Ameen, who showcased her work in the school hallway. And Nheena Ittner, who added to Christine's appreciation of art by exposing her to various artistic styles. And, perhaps most important to her ongoing artistic development was the encouragement of her husband, Pat.
When young children became an essential part of her life, you would find Christine painting at 3 a.m. before the family awoke. Whenever she could, she increased her knowledge and ability through classes, reading and mentoring. Eventually, Christine realized a long time ambition and started painting with water colors, studying with her mentor, Wendy Gwirtzman.
Today, Christine is a recognized artist in Rochester, NY, where her work is often selected for juried art shows and where one of her paintings was recently awarded "Best in Show."
A deep love of any form of work can lead to a satisfying and rewarding career, if supported by others along the way. Christine received that support, but she is quick to say that hers was not a seamless process of artistic accomplishment: "Talent takes a lot of practice!"
It also takes a willingness to risk scrutiny. When you put your work out for critique, you're putting yourself out there...not unlike career transitioners who, faced with the need to market themselves to potential employers, must paint a picture of their value and worth. And, just like Christine, they need encouragement, ongoing development and willingness to be scrutinized.
See Christine's artwork at www.christinewaara.com
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