Christina Haglid

Nest, Highly Detailed Surreal Botanical, Watercolor & Gouache on Paper, Framed

2020

A large translucent vessels floats upon a lake, so transparent that the wooded shoreline can be seen through this surreal boat. The artist treats watercolor much like oil paints, with layer upon layer to achieve a depth unseen in watercolor. The smallest of detail is apparent upon close examination. The piece is matted and framed in a simple white frame measuring 17.25 x 17.75 inches. Christina Haglid The Junipers watercolor and gouache on paper 8h x 9w in 20.32h x 22.86w cm CMH052 Artist's Statement Tiny Sanctuaries There has always been an intersection between the process of writing and the act of painting in my work. It has somehow been my guide. In the last four years, during the making of this work, that connection intensified as I started writing short stories and flash fiction while taking online classes. I find the process of writing and painting so different in almost every way, but there is something freeing and generative in writing which helps my painting process. Or perhaps it's a reminder of what painting is for me - something intuitive that needs to be trusted. And what they do have in common is a desire to encapsulate and distill a single moment, a story, about the complexity of our emotions and experiences. At the heart of my work is the recurring depiction of perseverance, strength of will, and a subtle optimism. Symbolically through the objects, precarious situations depict a moment of possible difficulty, often involving the influence of nature. A paper crane left in the snow. A boat nearly filled to the brim, but not submerged and able to drain its own contents carefully. A slide alone at night...

A small purple vase floats on a dreamy background of pale blues fading into a warm beige. The artist achieves a remarkable delicate quality by multip...

Translucent vessels are suspended upon the surface of the water in this surreal landscape entitled "Cloud Lake". This landscape is done in exacting detail with watercolor and gouache down to the smallest water droplet. Layer upon layer of color is added to achieve this impressively detailed painting. The piece is matted and framed in a simple white frame measuring 20.25 x 16.75 inches. Christina Haglid Cloud Lake watercolor and gouache on paper 11h x 8w in 27.94h x 20.32w cm CMH053 Artist's Statement Tiny Sanctuaries There has always been an intersection between the process of writing and the act of painting in my work. It has somehow been my guide. In the last four years, during the making of this work, that connection intensified as I started writing short stories and flash fiction while taking online classes. I find the process of writing and painting so different in almost every way, but there is something freeing and generative in writing which helps my painting process. Or perhaps it's a reminder of what painting is for me - something intuitive that needs to be trusted. And what they do have in common is a desire to encapsulate and distill a single moment, a story, about the complexity of our emotions and experiences. At the heart of my work is the recurring depiction of perseverance, strength of will, and a subtle optimism. Symbolically through the objects, precarious situations depict a moment of possible difficulty, often involving the influence of nature. A paper crane left in the snow. A boat nearly filled to the brim, but not submerged and able to drain its own contents carefully. A slide alone at...

Translucent vessels are suspended upon the surface of the water in this surreal landscape entitled "Cloud Lake". This landscape is done in exacting detail with watercolor and gouache down to the smallest water droplet. Layer upon layer of color is added to achieve this impressively detailed painting. The piece is matted and framed in a simple white frame measuring 20.25 x 16.75 inches. Christina Haglid Cloud Lake watercolor and gouache on paper 11h x 8w in 27.94h x 20.32w cm CMH053 Artist's Statement Tiny Sanctuaries There has always been an intersection between the process of writing and the act of painting in my work. It has somehow been my guide. In the last four years, during the making of this work, that connection intensified as I started writing short stories and flash fiction while taking online classes. I find the process of writing and painting so different in almost every way, but there is something freeing and generative in writing which helps my painting process. Or perhaps it's a reminder of what painting is for me - something intuitive that needs to be trusted. And what they do have in common is a desire to encapsulate and distill a single moment, a story, about the complexity of our emotions and experiences. At the heart of my work is the recurring depiction of perseverance, strength of will, and a subtle optimism. Symbolically through the objects, precarious situations depict a moment of possible difficulty, often involving the influence of nature. A paper crane left in the snow. A boat nearly filled to the brim, but not submerged and able to drain its own contents carefully. A slide alone at...

A paper lantern explodes out of the water, as if propelled by an inner, unknown force. This surreal landscape is done in exacting detail with watercolor and gouache down to the smal...

Christina Haglid Artist's Statement I used to write a lot of poetry, and it has shaped the narrative process in my artwork. Now painting has replaced writing. Objects in the painting are considered like words placed on a page. I use flowers, manipulated objects, and architecture together in compositions to symbolize the subtle conversations and interactions between them. They are placed in imaginary landscapes that are inspired by actual places and travels. All the paintings are watercolor and gouache on stonehendge paper, and they are made up almost entirely of individual brushstrokes. EDUCATION 1993 M.F.A., Cranbrook Academy of Art 1991 B.F.A., Maryland Institute, College of Art 1990 Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture EXHIBITIONS 2015 "Gallery Group" Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2014 "Gallery Group" Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2013 "Gallery Group" Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2012 "Gallery Group" Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2011 “Gallery Group” Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL "Meticulous Details: Conservators' Paintings" The Architrouve, Chicago, IL 2010 “Art Chicago” Merchandise Mart, Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2009 “Botanica” Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2006 “Botanicus” Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2006 “Arts Botanica” Loyola University Museum of Art, Chicago, IL 2005 “Blumen: Group Show” Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago, IL 2004-05 “Think Small” Illinois State Museum, IL [traveled] “Christina Haglid: Microworlds” Greenville...

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