Fly fishing is one of those pursuits that attracts creative people. The challenge of it all, the majesty of the places it takes us, and the beauty of the fish seem to open up a creative door most people don’t even know they had. And in the midst of all the photos, movies, paintings, blogs, films, and books, there are some that really stand out from the crowd. Christina Deubel is one that does.
I first noticed Christina’s artwork on Twitter a few months ago. It was a beautiful painting of a fly, done in brilliant colors and a style that makes you stop what you’re doing and take a closer look. Christina was kind enough to participate in one of our People of Fly Fishing interviews about her artwork. You can check out her website – In the Depths – here, and purchase her artwork from her Etsy store here.
What got you started in painting?
I’ve created art in some form for as long as I can remember. Growing up on a cattle ranch we were never much for watching television and so if I wasn’t out getting my boots stuck in the muck, drowning worms in the local lake or chasing horses around the pastures, I was drawing. My mom recognised my gift and entered me into different competitions and encouraged me to create.
Looking over your website, you don’t limit yourself to just fly fishing subjects. However, I notice a lot of your work is flies. What draws you to that?
The fly paintings began because I was looking for a way I could give back to the men and women of our military through my artwork, and when I learned about Project Healing Waters, I was hooked. It was combining 2 things that I am very passionate about. I immediately put the word out and started painting flies from fishermen internationally. I had my first fly fishing show benefiting Project Healing Waters in 2012.
Tell us about your involvement with Project Healing Waters.
Since that first art show I have come to know many of the local people involved with Project Healing Waters and I’ve watched first hand as lives are changed and even saved through the program. I truly can’t say enough good things about them. Generally when I am asked to participate in an art show it is for my “other” work but when I have the opportunity to show my fly fishing paintings I always try to bring a rep from Project Healing Waters along with me to help spread the word. I’ve done a variety of donations, art shows and volunteer work for them over the last couple years and it is always an honor to work with them!
Do you tend to create your paintings from your own experiences, or draw upon those of others?
That depends very much on what I am painting. I tend to work from an emotional place when I paint, so the paintings that you may see people or landscapes, are coming from a more personal space. I try to capture moments in time, memories, or feelings. Those paintings often include rough lines, bold colors and a lot of movement. This gives them a more abstracted feeling.
The flies or some of the paintings I have done of fish challenge a different part of my creativity. Many of those have been inspired by social media, actually. I am always on the lookout for a fly that catches my eye, or a fish who’s colors just pop. At that point I always introduce myself and ask if I can use their photo for inspiration. I’ve met some great folks and heard some awesome stories in my quest to find the fish with those perfect spots. I attempt to make the fly paintings as accurate as possible to the real thing. I use smaller brushes, smaller strokes and end up with my face inches from my canvas trying to get every last detail in place.
This question actually got me thinking, I have never once painted my own fly, or a fish that I have personally caught. Perhaps something I need to work on this year?
Have there been any major influences on your art?
As far as other artists, I admire Andrew Wyeth above all others. His muted pallet, country scenes and emotional works make my jaw drop.
As far as influencing my own style my biggest influence is Mother Nature. I love getting outdoors. The sound of the wind through the trees, the ripple on the water, the smell of the earth. They all come together and just hit me sometimes. Those moments of pure gratitude, when you just know you are in the right place. Those are the types of moments that I try to capture. As an artist those moments ignite my soul and I make my finger’s want for my paint brushes.
Another biggy for me is music. Music can completely change the tone of a painting for me. If I’m trying to capture I certain feeling I have to be very careful of what I’m listening to because it drastically changes what happens on my canvas.
Check back Tuesday for Part 2 of the interview.
