CHRISTINA D.YIELDING

I am an enlightened, self-taught, abstract artist. 

 

I was 23 years old when I was invited on a date to an art studio, it was then when I remembered I was an artist. It had been since the 4h grade that I had allowed myself to paint without fear, criticism or judgement.

 

My retired aunt and uncle needed help with their property one summer, in Boerne (San Antonio), Texas. I put all my things in storage and spent half my days helping them and the other half painting without any interruptions or distractions.  I had only been a garage artist for five years until that summer. I always had a strong desire to follow my inner guidance, this was the first step in the direction to lead me where I am today. 

 

One day, while driving to the Home Depot for supplies, fifteen miles away (everything in Boerne is at least a ten-mile drive in any direction), I noticed an old pickup truck on the side of the road.  Fruit was displayed on the tailgate and a cardboard sign that read “FRUIT FOR SALE” written with a black permanent marker in all capital letters.  Cars were pulling over on both sides of the road to purchase this fruit from an older man and woman who sat in lawn chairs next to the truck. 

 

I thought to myself if they can sell fruit on the side of the road, why can’t I sell my art the same way?

 

I quickly turned around, went back to the house and gathered all the paintings I had created that summer. I grabbed a tarp, some blank canvases, some paint and scrapers in a bag and headed back to where the action was.  I drove about 3 miles past them and pulled over.  I opened the back of my Xterra, pulled out all the paintings and leaned them along the side of my truck. Then, I opened the tarp up on the ground, threw a blank canvas down and just started painting. It only took a few minutes before people started pulling over.

 

The next thing I can remember is about six to ten people standing around watching me paint and I heard someone say “WOW, this is so cool and unexpected!”   I sold four paintings that day, within three hours.

 

I continued to go to my spot for the rest of the summer and paint on the side of the road, drawing a crowd every day. 

 

I knew when I came back to Dallas that I was ready to enter a show and entertain people with painting. 

My ability to “allow” provides my access to create.

 

Ten years ago, I was dreaming about where I am today.