A Mighty Conversation with Christina Kent

Courtesy of the artist

Christina Kent is a full-time figurative painter working primarily in oils. A former PhD economist, Kent's transition to painting was catalyzed by a realization that the rational economic lens was insufficient to capture the profound complexity inherent in human experience. Through her paintings, she reflects on the subtle nuances hidden in mundane moments of everyday life. Kent has exhibited at the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art and several galleries in Northern California. In 2023, Kent was awarded the Emerging Artist Award from Pence Gallery and had her first solo show there in 2024. She was also selected to be a 2024 Residence Artist at the Chalk Hill and Pouch Cove artist residencies. Kent's solo show "Capture" is on view through August 2024 at the Radian Gallery in San Francisco. Kent currently lives and works in San Francisco, California.

I had the pleasure of asking Christina about always having a creative side, what makes art remarkable,  how San Francisco inspires her artwork, her creative process, and so much more.

UZOMAH: Early in your career, you encountered negative and constructive criticism. How did you navigate this, and more importantly, how did you turn it into a driving force for your career?

CHRISTINA: Early in my career, I faced a lot of rejection and criticism as an artist. I learned to navigate this by shifting my perspective. Rejection and criticism mean that my work is being seen and eliciting a response, which is a sign that I’m actively putting myself out there. The real challenge is when your work is completely ignored.

Instead of letting rejection discourage me, I now view it as a badge of honor. Each rejection is a testament to my efforts and willingness to take risks. I keep a physical stack of rejection letters, and each one adds to my motivation to prove them wrong. This growing collection serves as a reminder that I’m pushing boundaries and advocating for my work. Moreover, every acceptance feels even more rewarding because of the resilience I’ve built through facing rejection.

U: You were recently selected to be an Artist-In-Residence at Pouch Cove. How has this time and space to create helped you evolve as an artist? What were your plans going into the residency?

C: My experience as an artist-in-residence at Pouch Cove was truly transformative. It was my first residency, and I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but it turned out to be a dream come true. The residency provided a distraction-free environment where I could focus solely on painting day and night.

Although I’m usually meticulous in my planning, I decided to approach this residency with an open mind and a flexible attitude. The quiet, peaceful atmosphere of Pouch Cove was ideal for creativity. I spent many hours hiking the nearby coastal trails, immersing myself in the natural landscape. This inspiration led me to engage in extensive plein-air painting.

The residency allowed me to expand my visual language and experiment with different mark-making techniques. Additionally, working alongside more experienced artists was incredibly inspiring and educational. I learned a great deal from them, which enriched my own artistic practice.

"Southwest from Alta Plaza" (left) 36in x 24in oil on canvas, and "Fog on Haight St," 40in x 30in oil on canvas.

U: How does San Francisco's unique environment inspire your art? Your ability to capture landscapes and everyday interactions of people in the city is truly captivating.

C: Thank you! I’m deeply inspired by the Bay Area’s unique environment. Originally from a flat suburb of Houston, I was instantly captivated by San Francisco’s dramatic landscapes when I moved here ten years ago. Although I now feel at home in the city, I continue to explore and discover its many facets.

My fascination with the cityscape and its nuances helps me connect with my surroundings and makes me feel more at home. I approach the city as an explorer, always searching for visual gems in everyday scenes. This careful observation allows me to better understand and appreciate the city’s character. I believe that this deep engagement with the environment is a form of love, and I hope it is reflected in my work as I strive to faithfully depict the city’s essence.

U: Could you share your favorite part of the art-making process and what makes it so unique?

C: My favorite part of the art-making process is experiencing the state of creative flow. It’s when I become so absorbed in a painting that I lose all awareness of time and space, almost as if the painting is creating itself. This deep immersion is a profound and indescribable sensation. While it doesn’t happen with every painting, when it does, it’s truly an incredible experience.

U: What is your most significant source of inspiration in creating art?

C: My primary source of inspiration comes from my everyday surroundings. I believe that potential paintings are everywhere; we just need to look closely. Whether I’m taking a walk around the city or meeting friends for dinner, I always have my camera ready to capture interesting moments of light and color. I’m particularly drawn to strong light—whether it’s the bright, bold shadows of midday sunlight or the warm, moody tones of sunset.

I find it especially rewarding to discover inspiration in familiar places, like my own neighborhood. Even though I sometimes feel like I’ve painted every corner of it, I’m consistently surprised by new sources of inspiration when I pay close attention.

Christina Kent standing in Radian Gallery next to her painting "Sunset from Mount Tamalpais," 48in x 96in oil on canvas.

U: What made you want to pursue a career in economics and now in art? How do they both intersect?

C: I’ve always had a passion for art, but I didn’t think it was a viable career path. Instead, I pursued my strengths in math and psychology through economics, which seemed like a practical choice for a stable career. However, after completing my undergraduate degree and Ph.D. in economics, I experienced significant burnout and felt a strong urge to reconnect with art.

Returning to painting transformed my perspective. It was like having poor vision and suddenly getting glasses—painting revealed the world’s beautiful nuances of color and form. Meanwhile, platforms like Instagram made it possible for independent artists, without formal art school backgrounds or industry connections, to gain recognition. I realized I could build a career as a fine artist and find an audience for my work.

Although I no longer write economics papers, I still apply many skills from my Ph.D. to my art career. These include understanding market trends, setting prices, and analyzing data to guide business strategies. I’m grateful for the opportunity to express both sides of myself—my intuitive, creative side as an artist and my rational, analytical side from economics. Embracing these multifaceted aspects of my personality enriches my work and overall life.

"Towards the Pass," (left) and "Golden Hour in Potrero" (right), each 48in x 48in oil on canvas.

U: Your most recent exhibition is titled "Capture." How did you select images that fit the theme of the exhibition?

C: For my recent exhibition titled "Capture," I collaborated with Tony Wessling, the curator of Radian Gallery. The exhibition reflects my realization that the rational, economic perspective I once relied on was insufficient to grasp the depth and complexity of human experience. Even something as simple as a shadow cast by a store awning onto the street can be infinitely complex and astonishing.

In this exhibition, I aimed to highlight the small, beautiful nuances of everyday life that often go unnoticed. My goal was to capture these fleeting moments through painting, extending their presence just a little longer. The exhibition is a reminder of the constant beauty around us, which can easily be overlooked amidst the busyness of daily life. Painting allows me to pause and preserve these ephemeral moments, celebrating their quiet yet profound beauty.

U: What makes creating art remarkable in your eyes?

C: Creating art is remarkable to me because it embodies a profound and intrinsic aspect of being human. Art doesn’t serve a direct survival purpose, yet throughout history, from ancient cave paintings to modern works, humans have consistently created it. Long before the advent of written language, civilization, or advanced medicine, art was already a part of our lives.

What drives us to create and express ourselves through art is a question that fascinates me. It’s an impulse that’s hard to put into words but feels deeply inherent. I find it awe-inspiring how a single piece of art can evoke emotions and create a connection between the artist and the viewer, transcending time and space. This shared experience is a unique and powerful form of communication that only art can provide.

"Sunset in Potrero" (left) 48in x 24in oil on canvas, and "Mountain Valley" (right) 36in x48in oil on canvas.

U: Have you always had a creative side?

C: Yes, I’ve always had a creative side. As a child, I was fascinated by drawing and loved bringing my imagination to life on paper. Even while studying economics, I continued to find time for small paintings and sketches. I believe creativity is innate in everyone, but societal pressures often lead us away from it. If you’re not the best at drawing as a child, you might label yourself a “bad artist.” On the other hand, even if you were recognized as a “good artist” growing up, you might still feel compelled to set aside your creative pursuits in favor of a more conventional career.

U: What element of art do you enjoy working with most? Why?

C: When it comes to art, the element I enjoy working with most is light. I’m fascinated by all aspects of light—strong, soft, artificial, light filtering through clouds or reflected in dense fog. Whether it’s the morning glow, midday brightness, or the golden hour, light captivates me. A simple shift in light can completely transform a scene, imbuing it with life and energy. I’m mesmerized by the effects of light, which originates from chemical reactions millions of miles away. Capturing light is the essence.

For more information about Christina’s artwork, please visit her website and follow her on Instagram. Her current exhibition, CAPTURE, is at the Radian Gallery and can be found here for more information. Also, the exhibition showcase of the exhibition done by the magazine can be found here. All paintings are available through Radian Gallery.