About Me
Hi! I am a wildlife artist based in Asheville, NC.
Wild creatures have always been my passion. From rescuing snails as a child to studying zoology as an adult, observing and conserving animals has been the common thread of my life experience. Originally from Barcelona, I've lived in England, Scotland, and Ireland.
In my years of wildlife research and conservation I’ve studied jackals in Namibia, wolves in Romania, and cheetahs and leopards in South Africa. As a wildlife traveler I’ve walked with polar bears in remote tundra, swam with whale sharks in the tropical seas, camped among elephants in Botswana, and snorkeled with belugas in the Arctic. You can read about my travels at my website Travel For Wildlife.
This is me photographing polar bears in Canada.
In my own backyard in Asheville, I transform suburban wasteland into thriving ecosystems where black bears, foxes, and owls are regular visitors. This passion to experience, observe, learn, and share, fuels my work as an artist.
You can also see photos and videos of our yard at Our Wild Yard. We love our wild neighbors and are always excited to see what they've been up to. We are specially fond of our opossums and woodchucks. I mean, look at this baby's face!
I'm also the co-owner (together with my husband) of a small clothing brand, Truly Wild. Yes, of course it is also wildlife themed!
I'm also an accomplished silversmith and you can find my jewelry here on my website or at Artisans on Main in Weaverville.
Cristina's process
I start my creative process with a little bit of chaos. Everything is allowed and everything is loose and intuitive. Large brush strokes, paint drips, splatters, washes, glazes, collage...
I combine acrylics, inks, spray paints, modeling paste, charcoals, metal leaf and torn paper in my first layers. Then I bring out the oil paint, bringing the subject to life with loose brush strokes.
I end up with an oil glazing layer, when colors pop and a feeling of three dimensionality emerges.
Sometimes my paintings are just oil. It all depends on my mood that day!
With my paintings I aim to harness a feeling. Of power, of beauty, of serenity, of kinship. Each piece I create is infused with the deep connection I feel with these beings. And I hope they stir something in you as well: a deep respect and love for our extended family of life in this planet, and a desire to preserve them. May they help you celebrate your kinship with the world around you and remind you of your power, your beauty, and your serenity each day.