YoGeert !

[is good for the digestive system]

The MAiN Page

Christine Geertsema lived and still lives in Chicagoland. In 2007, she claimed a Bachelors Degree in Art from Northwestern College of Orange City, IA. Her "Happy Mediums" are acrylic, watercolor, and ink. She is innovative and experiments frequently with paint and non-traditional mediums and surfaces.  Christine’s work emphasizes the human figure, color, and movement.  She has a strong aversion to pre-made canvases.

ART STATEMENT:  Most of my recent work [2008-present] is grouped into four major categories: (1) Community Blocks, (2) Triggers, (3) Release, and (4) Profiles. A few pleasing experiments and whim-sies make up the exceptions.

A chunk of humanity. I asked myself this question, "Minus the gore, what would a community look like if it were neatly compressed?" This collection of inked watercolor squares represent the diversity and common ground within humanity at large. Diversity is represented by numerous faces, varied in expression, size, age, gender, and ethnicity. The use of one color [with a few accents] unifies the diverse populace into a more simplified composition. The varied tones within the composition, make each Community Block "pop" with a subtle illusion of substance.

On rare occasion, a strange and unattractive response is triggered from my person. Waves of panic, anger, and pain HIT that are not proportional to the situation. Instead of emotional eating, I allow my subconscious to paint and help me identify where the past has left a bruise and a lie. "Too personal" is taboo in the art world, but many and most can relate to rejection, abandonment, and depression. A bird has a song and a cry, both need to be heard. This watercolor and ink series of loaded figures has a strong illusion of movement and a bold use of color.

Watercolor and ink portraiture with a gust of vibrant colors and personality undertones. This collection is an exhale of relief. Schools of birds are being released from cages of human figures and solitary trees. A calming and bi-worldly collection.

The past two years have taken me to New Zealand, Thailand, Cambodia, South Africa, Namibia, and Israel. Each country has introduced me to a new person and their story. Profile is a collection of portraits of the lowly, the lonely, the homeless, the orphan, and the unseen. Attached is a narrative and a prayer for each. Media is varied–acrylic on canvas, watercolor and ink on paper, and ink on vellum.