Christina Chrysler
Chris Chrysler is a multimedia artist who has been professionally creating in Eastern Ontario, Canada for more than two decades. With a keen focus on exploring the intricate connections between home and personal identity, Chris' artistic journey is guided by a feminist perspective that delves into the nuances of human experience. Her diverse body of work navigates the evolving definition of home across different stages of life, unraveling the complex web of internal and external influences that shape our understanding of this fundamental and self-defining concept. Each original piece serves as a testament to the complex interplay of internal and external forces shaping our understanding of self and place. Chris is a full-time post-secondary professor of fine art and former art curator. She lives on a 37-acre flower and alpaca farm where she paints, plants, and ponders her place in the world around her. Her work has been exhibited in Canada and the United States, and is held in private collections across North America, Europe, and Australia.
“Phoenix Rising is part of my series, “The Best Nest”, which invites viewers to explore our innate and universal human quest for home and belonging. The carved wood of this piece has been charred in a manner similar to the Japanese building technique shou sugi ban (where wood for homes is charred to help preserve and protect it). These charred pieces of wood are ‘stitched’ back together and bound with reclaimed fence wire. A delicate abandoned bird’s nest is cradled among pieces of metal screen from a former home’s front door. Gold thread sewn throughout the nest reminds us of the goodness and light that is always at the centre of home. Much like how the phoenix rises from ash, this piece speaks to protection, safety, and the act of being reborn and renewed out of diversity.
Ethereal Symphony invites viewers to immerse themselves in the boundless joy and renewing optimism that befalls us each spring after the darker, more contemplative days of winter have passed. As nature explodes in a mix of pastel blooms and vibrant greens, we are reminded of its incredible ability to uplift and rejuvenate our spirit. This piece celebrates the beauty of growth and renewal, mirroring our own journey from darkness to light. It serves as a gentle reminder that amidst life’s changes, there’s always room to bloom and become something even more extraordinary.”