Meet the artist, Cristi Benavides, also known as Cristi B. on Art.com

Artist Bio.

Cristi was born and raised in both, Los Angeles, California and a small, “one street light” town in New Mexico.  She’s both a big city and small town girl in one.  After High School, she was offered an academic scholarship to New Mexico State University where she majored in Mass Communications and Fine Art.  However, as fate would have it, 2 semesters later, The Art Institute of Colorado responded to Cristi’s portfolio petition for scholarship and offered her an invitation, where she went on to explore her creativity and earn her degree in Industrial Design.  After graduating, she spent a few years freelancing as a theatrical set designer, creative director, and industrial designer for several products in the sports, wellness, and home furnishing industries.  But something else has always called her.  It wasn’t long that Cristi quickly found herself drawn to her true love again ..Art. From “just messing around” while hanging out with friends on her roof-top apartment deck with some canvas and paint, Cristi went on to make a name for herself through word of mouth, painting fine art full time, catering to private customers and the interior design trade in Colorado and nationwide.

She established Cristi B. Fine Art, embracing her creativity and love of being of service to people.  She continues to sell directly from her home based studio, along with galleries, consultants, and art dealers nationwide.  Cristi’s art has been collected by private clients and major companies, big and small, not just in Colorado, but around the world. In 2009, she branched into licensing the production rights to her paintings, allowing her artistry to be mass produced as framed prints and various products available through large retail stores in the U.S. and abroad.  She lives and works in Denver, Colorado, where she raises her 5 yr old daughter (who sometimes paints along side her in their studio).  Cristi is currently a self-representing artist and welcomes you to contact her directly in the studio at info@artbycristi.com

Artist’s Statement.

“Art is something I simply can’t live without.  It can be very complex or very simple ..or something in between.  Art evokes emotion.  It’s interpretation is solely personal, and that’s the beauty of it.  Either you love a piece, or you don’t.

Art is my connection with people.  I love that I get to put this talent to work and truly be of service.  It’s how I’ve learned to build relationships and really get clear on the importance of supporting others in their creative vision, not just my own.

I’m so grateful for those that have supported me and my work for so many years.  I’ve had the pleasure of working with some amazing families, designers, businesses, and non-profit organizations that I truly care about.   A big “Thank You” for supporting me, my daughter, my vision,   …and allowing me to have fun doing it!     -Cristi
 

 

 

© 2012 Cristi B. Fine Art