What was the moment in your life that caused you to follow your passion of becoming an artist?

It was after I had written a book. I was an art major back in college, and I had been drawing since the age of 5 or 6. After a year in college, however, I didn’t feel that my work was “good enough,” so I changed my major a few times before landing in English. After my book “Rowan of the Wood” was published, we began doing Renaissance Faires and Celtic Festivals to promote it. This gave me the opportunity to take art projects back up. All the art I do currently is connected with the book somehow.

Do you have an academic background in your chosen media or are you self-taught?

In what I’m doing now, I’m self taught. I have had a little formal education in art, but that was 20-30 years ago.

What is your inspiration for your work?

Our book & characters from “Rowan of the Wood,” Celtic Mythology, and the magic of Scotland.

How has your work evolved over the years?

I’ve evolved over the years. I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I create to please myself, and if others like it — then great! My work continually evolves as I find what works and what doesn’t

Does your work have a particular message? If so, how have you seen the public interpret your work?

When working with wood, we use all repurposed or discovered wood. We never harvest from living trees. So I suppose my work has a very green message, seeing that I also paint the Green Man. The public response has been surprisingly good! I was thrilled, yet shocked, when I sold my first painting… then second and third, etc. All for something that started as a way to support the book.

What has been your experience working with galleries and exhibit spaces?

I have no experience in this.

What is your favorite aspect of being an artist?

The freedom of expression.

What is your professional goal? Where would you like to see your work represented in the future?

I would like to have my work, book and art, influence culture to the point that Americans recognize the Green Man immediately for what he is. Most people in this culture do not know who the Green Man is. They are afraid of him, if anything. I’d like to see him become the face of the environmental movement, which is finally gaining some ground, and if they also relate him to “Rowan of the Wood,” all the better!

Do you have a favorite piece in your portfolio/studio? What is it about this piece that makes it special and how does it represent you as an artist?

I do have a favorite piece. I used my husband Ethan’s face as a guide for that Green Man, and I see him in that painting every time I look at it. Needless to say, it’s not for sale.

Do you have any advice to upcoming and emerging artists?

I’m just an upcoming and emerging artist myself, after taking a 20-yr hiatus. I’ll have some advice in a few years. *wink*

Where can people learn more about your work?

http://www.christineandethanrose.com
http://www.rowanofthewood.com

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