ALL IN ALL : CHRISTIE OWEN SOLO @ VERBODE
In conjunction with Automobile Alley’s monthly “Shop Hop,” Verbode and Istvan Gallery will be presenting a new art installation by artist Christie. Verbode is a Downtown Real Estate Office focusing on OKC’s urban core. The Artist’s Reception is scheduled for October 15 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The show will be up through January 2016.
This collection unites several pieces from the past with new works. Taking everything into consideration, there are certain aesthetics that link these pieces together and reflect my “less is more” outlook on life and art. Small and large-scale pieces in this body of work explore abstraction, working with various mediums and organic themes.
This work draws inspiration from nature, industrial objects and matter that can withstand forces of nature. I am especially drawn to earthy hues and weathered objects that possess an austere character. By being profoundly sensitized to my surroundings, I find that often over-looked items become more intricate with closer inspection. My art relates to the journey, enduring quality and simplicity of these discoveries in accord with our ever-changing environment.
The materials and compositions in this body of work perpetually change in relation to my time and life experiences. By working intuitively and switching mediums, I am always creating something new. I am trying to draw attention to themes of transformation, capture conditional actions and mirror the way nature affects its surroundings.
As an artist and a graphic designer, I am always working on a variety of creative projects. I like to find visual solutions and utilize a variety of tools, mediums and applications to transfer concepts and techniques from project to project. As a multi-dimensional artist, I work in both 2D and 3D realms and with various mediums; mostly based in acrylic painting, wood and metal sculpture. I am influenced by modern living and nature how each domain influences each other. I create art and design to fill a void, improve emotional and environmental disposition and evoke a sense of balance and unity.
A native New Yorker, Christie Owen lives in Edmond, Oklahoma and divides her time as an artist and graphic designer. Her 2D and 3D works are included in local and national museums, galleries, public venues, private collections, and retail locations; Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Oklahoma Contemporary, Individual Artists of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Festival of the Arts Sculpture Park, Science Museum Oklahoma, Chesapeake Arena Thunder Family V.I.P. Lounge, American Institute of Architects Oklahoma Chapter, Penn Square Mall and BD Home. She has been featured in printed publications, television shows and documentaries, including OETA Gallery, FOX 25, KSBI, KFOR Channel 4, The Oklahoman, The Gazette and Art Focus Magazine. She is Co-Founder of FRINGE Oklahoma Women’s Art Organization, Co-Founder of Wings of ART auction and gala benefiting local artists and special needs children at Special Care Inc. and owner of Hive Design Web Development and Graphic Design Studio. Christie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design from State University of New York College at Buffalo.
Verbode | 415 N Broadway Ave #101 | Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Opening: Oct 15, 2015 6 to 9 pm
Closing: Jan 15, 2015 6 to 9 pm
Contact: Istvan Gallery (405)831-2874
Thunder VIP Lounge
I am very excited to have 6 of my paintings in the NBA Thunder VIP Family Lounge at the Chesapeake Arena in Oklahoma City. Thanks to Istvan Gallery and HSE Architects for selecting my work for the space.
Photography: Rob Ferguson
Sugar Mountain Commission
I recently installed a commission painting for Kristine Bates Interiors in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. This work is from my “Sugar Mountain” series. The original “Sugar Mountain” painting sold at Wings of Art, an art auction that I co-founded and facilitated, but the concept for this piece was born out of a need to de-stress. My brother was having a serious surgery. I was so worried and nervous. I needed to focus quietly on something. I love the frosting like texture of modeling paste. It is soothing and when mixing colors it reminds me of frosting. I started planting these delicious dobs of paint on a panel and couldn’t stop. It was theraputic. My brother made it through the surgery, my painting was done for the auction and I discovered a new way to use a medium. The name came from a Niel Young song (huge fan!) but I am also a sugar addict. People say it looks “yummy!” I have to agree.
BD HOME @ CLASSEN CURVE
I am excited to be featured along other local artists in a pop-up gallery showcase at Classen Curve. My art is on display at BD Home from now until the end of May.
I will also have a tent at the ARTIST MARKET // Thursday, May 14at 6:00pm – 9:00pm // Hope you can make it out! Thanks for supporting local art!
more info // facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1573055569639729/
Scroll down to see my new art installed + thanks for supporting local art!
Big Spate | Acrylic + Canvas | 60″ x 84″ x 2.25″ | 2015
Birch | Acrylic, Masonite, Resin + Walnut | 25″ x 50″ x 3″ | 2014
Keylime | Acrylic + Canvas | 30″ x 40″ x 2.25″ | 2015
Verdigris | Acrylic + Canvas | 20″ x 24″ x 1.5″ | 2015
Kismit | Acrylic, Sand, Masonite, Steel + Walnut | 37″ x 61″ x 3″ | 2014
Nodo #2, #3 + #4 | Copper + Powder Coat | 13″ + 22″ | 2014
Rock Candy | Acrylic + Canvas | 18″ x 36″ x 2.5″ | 2015
Stop Over | Acrylic, Masonite, Resin + Walnut | 36″ x 48″ x 3″ | 2014
Substructure | Acrylic + Canvas | 60″ x 84″ x 2.25″ | 2015
OKC 125
Here is my “runner up” photo I shot on a disposable camera for OKC 125. I can’t wait to see what image was selected for the opening reception!
The OKC 125 photo exhibition celebrates the 125th anniversary of Oklahoma City’s settlement will open with a public reception 4-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, in The Underground, a system of pedestrian tunnels and skyways in downtown.
Curated by well-known OKC-based artist Romy Owens, OKC 125 is a public exhibition of 125 photos of downtown Oklahoma City by 125 local artists.
Artists from Edmond, Norman and OKC were given disposable cameras and 125 minutes to photograph downtown. Owens selected one image from each roll of film to be printed, matted, framed, installed and lit as part of the exhibition. Participating artists will not discover which of their photos was selected until the public unveiling at the reception.
OKC 125 artist reception
4-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 – Through Feb. 27
The Underground – Downtown OKC
downtownokc.com Free
Map of the Underground
DREAMER CONCEPTS
I am a featured artist at Dreamer Concepts in Norman, Oklahoma this month and into January. The opening reception is December 12th, 2nd Friday. The exhibition will be available for viewing until late January. In addition to being the 2nd Friday Artwalk, the gallery is hosting the first ever Dreamer Flea, an urban pop up market for artists, designers, fine craftsmen and local businesses. Here are the works I have available for sale at the gallery. For more info visit Dreamer Concepts online.
<<>> BACKWARDS FORWARDS @ THE PROJECT BOX
Backwards Forwards:
Art by Christie Owen
Opens at The Project Box Community Art Space in the Paseo
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, August 2014. Backwards Forwards, an exhibit of art by Oklahoma
City-based artist Christie Owen, will open on Friday, September 5 from 6-10 pm at The Project
Box, 3003 Paseo, Oklahoma City. The exhibit will run until Sept. 27.
Backwards Forwards explores the interplay of past and future in our decision-making, reflecting
on our desire to look backwards even thought we must live moving forward. Owen’s minimalist,
organic work, which includes sculpture, jewelry, and contemporary abstract painting, invites the
viewer to pause in the moment, reflect, seek tranquility amid the motion of our lives.
Owen is Co-Founder and Vice President of FRINGE, a collective of contemporary women artists
working in all fine arts media in Oklahoma City. Owen is also a graphic designer and the founder
of CO Art & Design. She has exhibited her art at museums and galleries throughout Oklahoma and beyond.
The opening, which coincides with Paseo’s First Friday Gallery Walk, will also feature Poetry
Stand by Oklahoma City poet and artist Kerri Shadid. Visitors to Poetry Stand will receive a free,
customized, spontaneous poem based on a word or idea of their choosing.
Visual artist Lisa Allswede recently opened The Project Box as a community art space dedicated
to engaging the public with contemporary art in Oklahoma City through exhibitions, workshops,
and performances. Shadid and Allswede are both FRINGE artists.
For more information on The Project Box, visit theprojectboxokc.com.
Media Contact:
Lisa Allswede
412-370-9157
lisa.allswede@gmail.com
theprojectboxokc.com
INTERMIX: ART + DESIGN // SOLO EXHIBITION
INTERMIX: ART + DESIGN // SOLO EXHIBITION // APRIL 2014
Istvan Gallery Celebrates the 1st Solo Art Installation
Artist: Christie Owen
Opening Friday April 11, 2014
6 to 10 PM
“Intermix” is collection of work exploring the bridge between art and design. The installation evokes a sense of balance and elation by showing a complimentary array of different mediums in one exhibit. Artist Christie Owen allows the multitude of mediums she works with; paint, steel, copper and wood to guide her craft. “My paintings are created without intention and involve a primal performance of scraping acrylic paint and building texture with layers of color. I mix my own palette of hues from primary colors and enjoy all of the surprises” states Owen.
The artist intends her work to feel balanced and minimal with the right kind of imperfection. Conversely, her sculpture, furniture and jewelry require intention and planning. Per the artist “My sculpture is born from a need to fill a spatial void. I see negative space and imagine a form in its place. Utilizing steel, copper and wood I explore geometry and function to create minimalist clarity and organic compositions.” Always evolving, Owen seeks new development as an artist and designer. Her discoveries in one medium transcend to the other disciplines.
Artist Statement
Searching for environmental and emotional tranquility, my art is a result of looking for visual solutions. It is a way to escape the technological realm, contemplate modern living, nature and communicate how each domain influences another. I utilize a range of mediums to create minimalist and organic art. It is my intention to engage the viewer to utilize the art, fill a void with something beautiful, improve emotional and environmental disposition and evoke a sense of balance in the modern world.
Owen creates art to escape from the fast pace of the digitally engineered world. With themes ranging from texture and light to nature and seasons, her art is an eclectic fusion of ideas and images blending modernism and minimalism. The artist enjoys the opportunity creating art gives her not only to slow down and pause an experience, but also to capture and preserve it. With a playful and organic feel, her paintings, sculptures and jewelry utilize a variety of techniques and applications to create a sense of enduring tranquility and beauty.
The April solo installation at Istvan Gallery will debut with an artists’ reception that is free and open to the public, Friday, April 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. The event will include light hors d’oeurves and beverages. Visitors can also observe glass blowing demonstrations by artists at Blue Sage Studio. The installation will continue through April 26.
CHANGE IS GOOD
The next two months will be intense. I have a lot on my plate… but I am working hard and hopefully smart to accomplish my artistic goals. I have been painting in the front portion of the studio because the back (where the metal/wood shop is located) is without heat. It is good anyway to take a break from sculpture and enjoy painting without restraint.
What’s coming up?
FEB 13th 7 pm // Oklahoma Sculptors Society – Giving a 1 hr lecture about my art & design
MARCH 7 6:30 – 9:30 pm // Museum of Osteology – Teaching an adult art lesson
MARCH 29th // wings of ART auction & gala March 29th 2014 – Directing/organizing/exhibiting
+ Possibly doing the Sculpture Park @ OKC Festival of the Arts again this year
Sgt. Schultz patrolling and inspecting.
My painting method is spontaneous and very textural. Sometimes my work will have 2 to 10 paintings underneath the final layer. It is a process that I go through to achieve a desired effect. Every color and stroke is based on my current state of emotions. This way of painting is very primal and expressive for me but the final product can look minimal and organic.
It’s nice to not have to contemplate a painting and it’s message. I just want my work to be pleasing to the viewer.
I will keep posting my work as I progress… thanks for stopping by:)
WINGS OF ART
We are currently seeking the best local Oklahoma artists in every visual arts
medium to participate in the Winter 2014 Wings of Art event.
This is a great opportunity to sell your work and help the kids at Special Care.
No entry fee. Donate any percentage of your art work sales for a great cause.
No conceptual theme. Show what you do best. Old or new work is acceptable.
Open to men and women artists age 25+
Send a proposal to: info@fringeokc.com SUBJECT: WINGSOFART
Deadline to submit your proposal by November 1st, 2013
Please include:
contact information
image of the proposed art work
dimensions, medium & price
Accepted artists will be notified December 1st, 2013.
Event location Istvan Gallery
March 29th 6:00 – 10:00 pm
Please share this opportunity with other local artists.
specialcareinc.org • fringeokc.com
Click Here to view and join – Link to event on facebook
For more information:
Christie Owen Fringe Vice President & Marketing Director www.fringeokc.com
Michael Collins Special Care Marketing and Promotions Director specialcareinc.org
“Special Care is one of the most important organizations in Oklahoma City that is absolutely non-profit and all about giving back. I believe our “Wings of Art” event could not only be something unique and very special to this organization and the special needs kids who attend here, but also a way we could align ourselves with local artists with a absolute goal of selling each and every piece of art submitted and in return we only ask that they donate a portion of the proceeds back to the school (amount doesn’t matter, it is more about doing something for the community, the kids, giving our parents, teachers, local artists and friends a fun night out while raising awareness that children are children first despite their abilities). I am very excited about this happening and the possibilities of turning it into an annual event that serves such a great cause.”
— Michael Collins, Special Care Event Chair