Christine Kyle: Lexington, Massachusetts

Maybe 1
I've been miniaturized to fit 
"in" a 24" x 14" x 2.5" inches
encaustic on Baltic Birch plywood piece 

Please share a little about yourself. Where did you grow up and what (if any) were any early influences on your work? Where do you live now?

I grew up moving around in the New England area, now live in Lexington, and am moving to Cambridge, MA. As a child, art and craft supplies were readily available outside and at home. We never had coloring books because my mother didn’t like the idea of coloring inside someone else’s lines. We always made our own Halloween costumes and were encouraged to play with found props. My elementary school best friend’s mother was an artist and I still have an oil painting I did at their house when I was ten. I went to a Waldorf School my last 2 years of high school where art classes were plentiful and creativity revered. I didn’t feel especially talented but enjoyed drawing, painting, weaving and pottery.

Maybe 3
Encaustic Baltic Birch plywood 14" x 24" x 2.5"

Did you receive any formal art training? If yes where and what did you major in?

I wanted to major in Studio Art in college but felt it was impractical so I majored in Sociology (practical?).  I took as many art classes as a non-major could take then decided to double major, adding Art. After about 10 years in the world of work, I went back to school for 2 years to study graphic design. I’ve taken too many workshops and classes in art to list here. At the ripe age of 54 I finished an MFA at The Art Institute of Boston. It wasn’t until then that I called myself an artist although I’ve been an artist my whole life.

Shell Grid

Encaustic and egg shells on ceramic

What is your current work about?

I am fascinated by the way we make order. We recently moved (and are moving again!) and I feel it is a huge piece of performance art, figuring out what should be given away and what should go in what box. We all strive for consistency in order to gain an understanding of what is around us. We make up taxonomies, patterns and judgments to feel in control and safe. I don’t believe in complete understanding or control or truth, only the seeking and trying to trust in doubt.

Kyle's studio in Waltham, Mass.

What is your workspace like?

For about 8 years, I had a great, little studio in the back yard of our home in Lexington, MA. I’m just getting settled into a studio in Waltham, MA. It was the storage room for my husband’s woodworking shop. The room has been cleared, lighting, ventilation and heat have been installed and I’ve made some order of my things. I’m working on a couple of large pieces that I set up before moving. I had laid down layers of wax, darker to lighter. Now I’m scraping wax, the deeper I scrape, the darker the value. I’m looking forward to settling in there. Right now, I’m performing in our basement and around the house in Lexington in anticipation of hauling our stuff to our new home in Cambridge.

Waves
Encaustic, egg shells and Velum
 on Baltic Birch plywood 30" x 23" x 3"

Are you involved with any arts groups or communities? If yes, what do you gain from that affiliation and what do you contribute to it? How do you develop a sense of community with other artists, and how do you support your art colleagues?

I have a few different art communities and some friends who are artists. I’m a member of the Cambridge Art Association, MassWax, the Art Institute of Boston alumni, Lexington Council for the Arts and have attended many International Encaustic conferences. I have met with other artists for critiques but would love to be part of a cohesive but diverse art crit group that meets regularly.

Rectangular Bang (2 views)

Encaustic and egg shells on ceramic 8" x 13.25" x 2"

Do you have other jobs other than making art? 
If so, please give us some details.

I have many loose ends to gather as my other job. I’m a mother, a wife, a citizen and fellow human. I pay bills, do the errands, provide healthy meals, keep order in the house, volunteer and live a rich and diverse life. Much of this feeds my art.

Weeny Creation

Encaustic and egg shells on ceramic 4" x 5.5" x 2.5"

You can see more of Christine's work on her website: www.christinekyle.com

Thank you, Christine!