An Interview with Christy Tremblay
Army spouse Christy Tremblay’s mixed-media art is the perfect metaphor for a multi-textured, multi-layered military life. As mil-spouses, we often don’t know where life is taking us next as we evolve with each new place and experience, and all of those unexpected places and experiences become layers that shape us into the people we never knew we could be. There is beauty in all that layering and evolution, in the unforeseen and in adaptation. Christy Tremblay’s unexpected journeys leads us to magical gardens and dream-like landscapes; they are places that celebrate.
- Introduction by Lisa Stice
MilspoFAN: Describe for us your creative work and the aesthetic of your mixed media art.
Christy: I am passionate about nature, cities, travel, and landscape. Colors, line and shape inspire me. Vibrant or subtle, the textures, layers and movement of the city and the natural environment provide sources for my artwork. I started making art as a child, constantly getting into paint and experimenting with any new materials I could get my hands on. In a sense my current art is a continuation of my early exploratory spontaneous process. My work begins with an underlayment of color and evolves through many layers of paint, pastel, chalk, and other media. Each piece has its own unique process; it grows and changes as each layer achieves its final stage. I enjoy the mystery of discovering what the piece will become.
MilspoFAN: Tell us a little about yourself, your journey as a military spouse, and where you are today. (include things like where you have lived, who is in your family, where you grew up, how long you and your spouse have been “in”, or how you met your spouse)
Christy: Hi, I’m Christy! I’m grew up in Kirkland, WA. I was born in Tampa. FL.
I graduated from Northern, AZ University in K-8th grade Education. I ran middle distance track and cross country on a scholarship for all four years, of college. I have been an Army spouse since 2001. My husband and I have two daughters ages 15 and 12 and a chocolate lab named Finn. Our military journey has taken us through Texas, Kansas, Virginia, and Seattle. We currently are living at Macdill AFB, in Tampa, FL.
MilspoFAN: How did you become an artist?
Christy: Art was always a natural thing for her to pursue. As a child, Christy would get into paint and experiment with new materials. An outlet and livelihood, art keeps her grounded through all her military moves. Self-taught with influences from art classes, artists, and workshops along the way, she has expanded her talents and experimented with many different mediums. She took art classes at Auburn University, while her husband was stationed in Georgia. “I really loved an art instructor I had at Auburn University in 1998. The class was an intuitive mixed media art class. He inspired me to create my own painting style and to experiment with different media.” With each move, she made it a point to expand her knowledge. And with each phase of Christy’s journey, she was lended a style all her own.
MilspoFAN: What drives you to make art?
Art has always been a part of me. I can’t remember not wanting to do art. One of the ways I express my world is through the artwork I make. When you experience my art you see a glimpse of the world through my eyes, and this includes my personal perspective on memory, emotion, place, hope.
Art is a natural thing for me to pursue and I can do it anywhere! Art is my outlet and livelihood. It keeps me grounded through all of our military moves. It is very therapeutic.
I love the joy I get when a collector sends me a photo of my art displayed in their home.
MilspoFAN: How do you cultivate your creativity?
Christy: Monet has always been an inspiration to me. I visited the Chicago Art Museum and loved seeing his collection of original paintings. I am inspired by nature and places I live.
A Northwest native, I have taught in Korea and visited cities, rural areas and islands in Southeast Asia. I currently create, in my home- art studio, which overlooks Tampa Bay, on Macdill AFB. I create an art studio in each home we have lived in, which at this time, is ten.
MilspoFAN: How do you meet other artists or plug into the local arts scene when you PCS?
Christy: With each of our moves, I search out local art leagues, galleries, and art show opportunities. I make it part of my routine to enter at least two art events every few months.
MilspoFAN: What’s next for you?
Christy: I am currently working on a series called, ‘Coastal,’ inspired by Tampa and the coastal environment of Florida. You can see this solo show at Lulu Studio in North Hyde Park in Tampa, this coming spring. (Show date announced soon)
MilspoFAN: Where can we see your work?
Christy: My work can be seen on my website-
www.christytremblaystudio.com and in person at LuLu Studio - Art Gallery in Tampa, Florida.
Find Christy online and on Social Media at:
https://www.facebook.com/christytremblaygalleryhttps://www.instagram.com/christytremblayart/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristyTremblayArt
Thanks so much to Christy for joining us for this interview! Have you got questions or comments for Christy?
Please join in the discussion in the comments below, over at our public Facebook Page, or at the private MilspoFAN Facebook Group.
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