Christine Andrews - Mixed Media Artist

My artistic practice has come to the forefront of my life as it brings me balance, health and a desire to help others connect with the natural environment. Since deciding to share my art in 2018, I've been welcomed into the New Hampshire Art Association, routinely participate in art fairs and shows each year, and am an active member of committees that support the arts and artists. I look forward to the opportunities that will present themselves in the coming year as I build a creative business to sustain my artmaking fulltime.

In 2019 my work was brought into focus with a trip to southwestern Utah. After the passing of my mother, my Dad wanted to take a big trip. I opened the US map, and he chose Utah. Wherever we went I was struck by the geologic history that was evident in the rock layers, fossilized dinosaur tracks and human activity on the landscape. Back in NH, I realized that the geologic history was often hidden by dense vegetation. Searching for a representation of that history, I stumbled across my White Mountain National Forest trail maps and discovered that geologic evidence.

The trail and topographic maps represent a portion of that history, but also my own. I see the elevations that hint at tectonic plate movements and the water bodies that were left from the last glacier retreat. However, the maps also remind me of my own history; the trails I have hiked, the water bodies I've taken a dip in, the challenges of those steep ascents and the views I was rewarded with at the top.

Inspiration

Since I was a child taking refuge in a small patch of forest behind our home in a suburban neighborhood in Manchester, NH, I have always found that exploring the natural landscape heals and recharges me.

Over time I've come to understand that we are connected to all living things in ways we can both articulate and ways we are just beginning to understand. When we take a moment to pay attention to that connection, we can appreciate the importance of conserving the natural areas that ultimately sustain us all.

My art is fueled by the time spent exploring NH forests and the natural areas I visit while traveling. When I'm creating, I relive my experiences and strive to create art that brings me the same energy. It is my hope that the work brings a similar experience to the viewer by helping them find their own connection and appreciation for the natural world.

My Process

My 'map' works are created with a foundation of trail/topographic maps on which images are rendered in colored India inks.

Works begin with selection of trail/topographic maps ultimately sourced from OpenStreet Map data. These are brought into a graphic design application, simplified and printed on acid free paper with archival inks.

I collage the maps onto cradled panel boards using a clear acrylic matt medium, which acts as a binder and sealer. Three coats of the matt medium are then applied to seal the paper. I choose a matt finish as it provides a bit of 'tooth' for the layers of ink that will be applied when creating the image. More importantly, sealing the paper prevents the ink from instantly soaking into the paper, which would result in dark colors that all but obscure the map details.

My images are derived from sketches or photographs done while I'm exploring. I may also use a simple digital sketch program to simplify photos and work out compositions. I sometimes begin with a quick ink or acrylic sketch on the maps before beginning the inking process.

Inks are applied in layers and it is often a subtractive process. I apply the ink to the surface, and because it doesn't soak into the paper, I have a small window of working time. I may gently smudge the ink or wipe most of it away leaving the surface lightly stained. Each layer is left to cure so that it is not disturbed as I continue to add ink. Successive layers build and mix color directly on the surface.

As I near the end of a piece, I may use opaque white inks or acrylic to add highlights and black ink pens to add details, much like the sketches I do on site.

The works are sealed with a spray varnish and framed in simple pine floater frames that I finish with Danish oil.

  • Community Engagement & Associations

  • Shows & Exhibits

    2024

    • League of New Hampshire Craftsman's Fair NHAA tent- Sunapee NH
    • Naturally New England Art Show - Juried group exhibition, The Livery, Sunapee, NH
    • Art Walk in the Park - Art Fair, Peterborough, NH
    • Exploring the Landscape - Solo exhibit , Manchester City Hall, NH
    • All Hearts Statuses - Juried group exhibition, Mosaic Art Collective, Manchester, NH

    2023

    • Pop-Up Art Gallery - Juried art fair, Searles School, Windham, NH
    • Ebb and Flow - 3-artist group show, Healing Arts Gallery, Monadnock Community Hospital, Peterborough, NH
    • League of New Hampshire Craftsman's Fair , NHAA tent- Sunapee NH
    • Uncommon Art on the Common - Art fair, Goffstown, NH
    • Naturally New England Art Show - Juried group exhibition, The Livery, Sunapee, NH
    • Art Walk in the Park - Art Fair, Peterborough, NH
    • The Art of Rhythm - Solo exhibition, Riverwoods Gallery, Manchester, NH
    • A Silent Dialogue with Nature - Group exhibition, Main Floor Gallery, John Hay Estate at the Fells, Sunapee, NH

    2022

    • NHAA Holiday Art Fair - Labelle Winery, Derry NH
    • League of New Hampshire Craftsman's Fair, NHAA tent- Sunapee NH
    • Uncommon Art on the Common Art Fair - Goffstown NH
    • The Utah Trip - Solo exhibition, Riverwoods Gallery, Manchester NH

    2021

    • First Night @ Depot Square Holiday Pop Up Art Fair - Peterborough, NH
    • Uncommon Art on the Common Art Fair - Goffstown NH
    • Words Matter - Body of work group show - NHAA Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, Portsmouth NH

    2020

    • Winter Solstice - Group Exhibit - The Gallery at Depot Square, Portsmouth NH
    • Close to Home - Body of work group show - NHAA Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, Portsmouth NH
    • Perfect Pairings - Group exhibition - NHAA Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, Portsmouth NH
    • NHAA New Member Exhibit - NHAA Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery, Portsmouth NH