Monthly Iowa Artists Feature: Christine Hilbert

Introducing our newest Monthly Iowa Artist Feature: Christine — a lifelong friend and an artist of remarkable talent, joining us from Norwalk, Iowa.

1. Can you share a bit about your background? How did you become an artist/how did your love for art begin, and who or what have been your biggest influences/how has it evolved?

"I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. I was the kid who would draw pictures for her friends at recess, was always checking out art books from the library, and I even sported a red beret throughout elementary school because I thought it was something a real artist would wear. I have always been inspired by color and texture and movement within art. Some of my artistic heroes are Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt, Anselm Keifer, Nick Cave and Helen Frankenthaler. When I studied painting in college (both ISU and the Savannah College of Art & Design) my work started out quite figurative and in both oils and acrylics. At SCAD I began to experiment with a more abstract, mixed media style and explored using multiple mediums within my work. As I became a mother my work transitioned into primarily watercolor painting and has grown to include public art as well as illustration."

2. What has been the most challenging obstacle in your artistic journey, and how did you overcome it?

"I think the most challenging obstacle as an artist is maintaining resiliency in the midst of the "no's" and rejections that inevitably come with this field. It's so easy to get discouraged and doubt yourself and your ability when a big project falls through or you are passed up for a specific opportunity. I have had to learn how to celebrate the wins (no matter how tiny) and ignore that mean voice that tells me to give up. This is an ongoing process- some days I feel confident and proud and others that imposter syndrome can creep in. One of the ways that I continue to do that is by surrounding myself with a group of incredibly supportive creative friends: people who understand the ups and downs of this field, to share inspiration and ideas, and help to encourage each other and offer advice in navigating this. A strong community makes this life exponentially better."

3. Can you walk us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished piece? Do you have any rituals or routines that guide your work? How do you know when a piece is "finished"?

"One of the wonderful things about being a multidisciplinary artist is that I have the ability to follow ideas and inspiration wherever they might lead- even if that's across multiple mediums or styles. I carry a sketchbook with me everywhere, which allows me to capture my ideas and inspiration wherever I am. I work from my home studio and try to spend time there every day (even on days where I'm working off site). When I have that creative spark I generally start with a watercolor sketch and develop the piece from there. I often work on multiple pieces at one time and set a piece aside if I get stuck in a creative rut. Some paintings come really easily and others take months or years to complete. It is hard to know when a piece is finished; I joke that I sometimes spend more time staring at a piece trying to decide if it's "complete" than I do actually painting it. Sometimes it's just a gut feeling that tells me, "Put your brush down, Christine."'

4. Your artistic passions have expanded into a book, a mural, and workshops. How have these projects influenced your growth as an artist?

"I have learned to never say "no" to a creative idea- even if it isn't something I've tried before. You never know where that inspiration will lead you. Saying yes to new ideas or projects including being an author and illustrator or painting a huge wall has led me on some of the most satisfying creative adventures. Being brave has given me the confidence to continue to stretch myself and explore new facets of my creativity."

5. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, famous or infamous, who would it be and why?

"Oh gosh, this is a tough one! It seems so intimidating to collaborate with any of my artistic heroes but I would love the chance to work alongside Gustav Klimt to see firsthand how he handled color, pattern and texture within his compositions. I find Nick Cave's use of unconventional materials within his sculptures and Sound Suits so inspiring and having the chance to tag along as he selects the pieces he incorporates into his work would be a dream."

6. Tell us about the pieces you're showing in the Iowa Artists Monthly Feature- what inspired them? How did this feature influence your work as an artist? Was it inspirational or a certain perspective you hoped to share?

"This series, Chroma Dipped, started out with initial watercolors of seemingly simple, everyday things- but ones that I find charming or whimsical. I am especially drawn to the natural world, and I wanted to capture these subjects and give them a colorful twist.My mantra is "Look for what you notice, but no one else sees." I highlight these subjects with gold lines to accent their beauty. As a lover of lost things, antiques and vintage, I am constantly looking for ways to incorporate those elements into my work, so even at a flea market or estate sale I am soaking up inspiration and thinking of ways that I can take an old idea (or vintage element) and give it a modern, whimsical twist. By mounting these in pre-loved frames I am adding another layer of interest and unique value.  I want to invite viewers to study and appreciate things we often overlook and to see the magic in the ordinary; whether it's a flower, an animal, or a banana."