Women in Art 278 Magazine April 2018 | Page 12

a m e rican artist Christa Stephens G e om etric A bstractio n ABOUT THE ARTIST: Christa Stephens is a contemporary abstract artist from New Mexico who uses elemental shapes and patterns to explore context and relativity. Inspired by natural geometry and modern architecture, she creates explicitly structured paintings that present familiar forms in unusual sequences. These compositions provide a framework for exploring alternate viewpoints and challenging preconceptions. Christa has been a musician all her life and her creative process is rooted in the theory and practice of music. Intrigued by the connection between sound and optics, she discovers and defines visual pathways that relate to musical motifs and investigates the confluence of form, texture, and rhythm with graphic configurations. With a studio practice that underscores synesthetic experimentation, she TAPESTRY incorporates chance elements and Acrylic on Panel ornamentation into a methodical 12 x 12 x 1.5” flow, initiating relationships and impelling narrative through recurring geometrical designs and bold, saturated color. Originally from Portales, New Mexico, Christa has lived in several iconic cities in the US, including Washington DC, Los Angeles, and NYC. After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in music, she worked as a musician for many years while pursuing formal and non-formal studies in fine art and graphic design. She now resides in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, where she is further inspired by rustic landscapes, radiant sunsets, and archaic structures intermingled with modern perspectives. ART pag e 12 QUARTET Acrylic on Panel 12 x 12 x 1.5”