Christina was born in Malta and gained a B.A. in Combined Arts in Theology, Philosophy and Art History at Durham University. Later she obtained a diploma in Fashion and Textile Design at Central St Martins together with Polimoda, the fashion school in Florence which is an internationally recognised centre of excellence. She has worked as an artist in London undertaking custom designed and hand painted clothing, book illustration and also worked on commissions. Christina now focuses on painting and running Christina Darmanin Art which provides creative services ranging from portraiture, clothing design, workshops, collections and commissioned work to promote restoration, elevation and inspiration to positively stimulate development and growth of wellbeing. She comes from an artistic family, her maternal grandfather is none other than the renowned architect Professor Richard England.
What was her inspiration for this exhibition? "My inspiration is derived from the visual poetry of butterflies. I have always been fascinated by butterflies as they are so breathtakingly beautiful. In their transformative process from caterpillar to airborne flowerets they demonstrate to us that we also are able to renew and revitalise our life patterns, live life to the full, and allow light to illuminate our spirit. Their radiant colour and iridescence are in themselves a beautiful aesthetic lexicon and language."
Does she have a mentor? "My art mentor, Michael Sinclair (writer, sculptor and teacher), contributed the following text on my works for the exhibition. "The majority of Christina Darmanin's work is influenced by nature and within the works displayed Darmanin reflects upon the transitional life of butterflies - from a chrysalis to the beauty of its emerged appearance, drawing parallels which could become equally transformative in our lives if we can engage with what truly matters, as to make a positive difference to us as individuals and our society.
The very strong graphic nature of the images is the 'bed' upon which this communication lies, so the choice of the butterfly image is indeed apposite by the arresting nature of its graphic, profile and colouring.
Darmanin also engages us with the brief and transformative nature of movement - a lightness of being - from static with wings fully open, to a sudden and swift departure, causing us again to reflect upon some same instance in our lives as the nature and purpose of her work touches these subliminal levels in us all."
Christina comments: "The way light creates 'colour' in the intricacy of the wings of a butterfly, I believe can be translated to our doing the same by allowing light to enter into the darker parts of ourselves. Their beauty enriches us and conveys to us a sense of peace of mind which in turn evokes restitution and restoration."
She is fascinated by the process of transformation from darkness to something so beautiful, which inspires us, as a process, to be applied to our lives. She says: "Spending time with nature is restorative and healing and one actually gains more than what one visualises. Like seeds, nature enriches our imagination, awakens our soul and refreshes our spirit. Butterflies are indeed dancing airborne flowerets; I visualise them dancing to the music of Tchaikovsky's 'Waltz of the Flowers'. I have often imagined what it would be like if one's approach to life could be more like that of a butterfly. When one is heavily stressed, it is perhaps best to take the approach of a butterfly, get some sunshine, pick a flower to love, and meditate on how a butterfly would approach the situation if one is undergoing moments of angst and anger...act lightly, mildly and gently."
What is her favourite and least favourite aspect of being an artist? "My favourite part of being an artist is being able to embrace nature and find inspiration everywhere, as well as work with colour everyday; colour is a super power. I love everything about it."
Does she think networking with other artists is important, if so, how does she go about it? "I think it is crucially important to network with other creatives, as we inspire and encourage one another; attend artistic events together, make a difference together."
What is her ideal work environment and why? "Sunlight, the birds singing, music, and a little flower to love."
Has her style changed over time? "My style at present demonstrates my love for a variety of techniques and inspirations, it may change as I develop."
Christina believes true success is defined by planting seeds for others to nurture and shine. She quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson, the American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist: "If you can make another life breathe easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded." Create something through your talents to inspire others, she adds."
She finds inspiration for her art in nature and wildlife. "These are my main sources of inspiration, but also the word of God, the ocean, humanity in all its vagaries."
Does she have a favourite piece of art she made herself and which she would never sell or give away? "No!" she replies. After all she is young and this is hardly surprising.
Any favourite world artists she admires? No hesitation here: "Ai WeiWei, Yayoi Kusama, Alphonse Mucha, Gustav Klimt and Willam Morris."
How does she feel the internet, Facebook and other platforms have impacted the world of art? For better, for worse or indifferently? "For worse, I think it takes away the quality of the artists work as we are so consumed by virtual reality versus actual reality online. Art should be experienced by all the senses."
The best advice she has been given when it comes to art is "to follow your gifting as an artist and go for it"; also "quality over quantity always."
What message or advice would she give to those wanting to make their career as artists? "If you have the fire in you and you want to be an artist, then please let the fire burn and set the world on fire with your heart and soul."
What is something she now knows that she wishes she had known before? "You have to believe in yourself, and no matter what life throws at you it does not define you. You are your own work of art. God's wisdom remains an eternal inspiration."
(Christina Darmanin's exhibition 'Airborne Flowerlets' is taking place at art...e Gallery, 1 Library Str, Victoria, Gozo, from today, 9th September to 30th September 2023.)