Christi Friesen was born at a very young age, kidnapped and raised by lemmings. She escaped to California where she got married, had various wonderful kids, and amassed credit card bills. She is currently considering having a midlife crisis, unless there’s something good on television.
CF works in mixed media, combining polymer clay, glass, acrylic, found objects, gemstones and semi-precious stones, glass beads, pearls, precious metals, and pigments to make her unique sculptures and art jewelry. Her preference for polymer as her sculpting medium is a result of the versatility, durability, and unparalleled ease with which it can accommodate gems, pearls and stones. These are worked into the sculpture while the clay is uncured, thus allowing for a very organic design in which the stones are an integrated into the design. The medium is also colorfast and lightweight.
CF is an artist because she must be. Her goal is to amuse herself, and if others are also amused, so much the better. All her pieces are one-of-a-kind and although she may make pieces that are similar in theme or subject, no two will ever be alike. Where would the fun be in that? She is happy to consider commissioned work if the project interests her.
CF’s work is available at galleries and juried fine craft shows. She is a contributor to magazines and books. More of her pieces can also be found on her website: www.CFOriginals.com.
ARTIST STATEMENT
I just can’t help it. I must make things. My mind won’t stop and my fingers follow.
One of the things I find most enjoyable about being an artist is the reaction I get when someone else enjoys my work. It is a special thing to be able to share a piece of yourself. And, of course, it’s nice for the ego as well. Who doesn’t like being told they’re terrific once in a while.
As with many artists, I enjoy creating in more than one media, but sculpting suits me best.
I have chosen to work primarily in mixed media, embellishing polymer clay with gems, pearls, beads and found objects which are worked into the sculpture while the clay is uncured. I feel this allows for a very organic design. It’s also very interesting joining forces with nature to create something memorable.
RESUME
Christi Friesen
RESUME
Two-Artist Exhibitions
“Influenced” -July 2004, Topanga Canyon Gallery -Topanga, Ca
“The Way I See It: Works in Clay” -Feb. 2003, Topanga Canyon Gallery -Topanga, Ca
Juried Exhibitions
“2005 Juried Annual Competition” -Nov & Dec, 205 - Juror: American Women Artists
exhibit -- Texas Art Gallery, Dallas, Tx
www.americanwomenartists.org
“Bead Dreams” -June 2005 -Juror:Bead & Button magazine - Milwaukee, Wi
“Juried Open” -Jan. 2004 - Juror: Michael Zakian, Weisman Art Museum at Pepperdine
University, Los Angeles, Ca
“Bead Dreams ” -May 2004 -Juror:Bead & Button magazine - Milwaukee, Wi
Group Exhibitions
multiple shows, 2003-present -Topanga Canyon Gallery -Topanga, Ca
“L.A. Art Walk, the Brewery, twice annually, 2003- present -Los Angeles, Ca
“Showcase” - Aug. 2004 -Wind River Gallery , Tehachapi, Ca
“Art A La Carte” -Dec. 2004 -Tehachapi, Ca
Awards
First Place:Polymer clay - “Bead Dreams” - June 2005 -sponsor -Bead & Button magazine
Finalist: Polymerclay “Bead Dreams” - May 2004 -sponsor -Bead & Button magazine
Galleries
Topanga Canyon Gallery -Topanga, Ca -2003 to present
Tehachapi Art Center -Tehachapi, Ca -2004 to present
Mill Street Gallery -Tehachapi, Ca -2004-2005
Wind River Gallery -Tehachapi, Ca -2004
Syllvia Ullman American Crafts Gallery -Cleveland, Oh -2005
Juried Craft Shows
To Bead True Blue show, Manning House, Tucson, Az - upcoming Feb. 2006
Best Bead, Tucson, Az -2005, and upcoming
Bead & Button, Milwaukee, Wi -2004 - 2005 and upcoming 2006
Laguna Sawdust Festival - Winter Fantasy, Laguna, Ca -upcoming Nov. 2005
Contemporary Craft Market, Santa Monica, Ca -2004 - upcoming Nov. 2005
American Arts Festival, San Diego, Ca -2004
Authored Articles/magazine
“Mini Masks” -Step By Step Beads -Sept. 2005
“Welcome to the Jungle” -Art Jewelry -March 2005
“Heart to Heart” -Bead&Button -Feb. 2005
“Generations of Creativity” -Bead Unique -Winter 2004
“Go Fish” -Bead&Button -June 2004
Published -contributor/magazine
Interior - Designer Jewelry Showcase, brochure - 2005
Gallery - Bead Unique -July 2005
Back cover - Fire Mtn. Gems, ad - Polymer Cafe magazine -spring 2005
Gallery - Art Jewelry -Jan. 2005
Authored Books
“Dragons: CF Sculpture Series” available Nov. 2005
