Simple Sparrow Art
Christy Collins is an oil painter based in Richmond, Virginia who considers herself first and foremost a storyteller.
Her work includes anything from personal commissions to pieces of her own inspiration— her favorite being the interplay of diverse and universal human experiences that can be expressed through candid gesture in organic environments, with an emphasis on the eternal.
Her reflection on the beauty in Black Neighbors in Church Hill can be explored through this series here.
Art Reception
“Mo” Oil on Panel
“I see this and I get emotional. Thinking... wow. You are worthy. ❤️ God made those big eyes, that big nose, those lips, the dimples, and ALL of that thick coiled hair.
This is freedom.
”
I see this and I get emotional. Thinking... wow. You are worthy. ❤️ God made those big eyes, that big nose, those lips, the dimples, and ALL of that thick coiled hair. This is freedom.
I see this and I get emotional. Thinking... wow. You are worthy. ❤️ God made those big eyes, that big nose, those lips, the dimples, and ALL of that thick coiled hair. This is freedom.
A couple of Octobers ago, my family and I attended a Fall Festival held at the Robinson. There were so many people, booths of yummy food and resources, and best of all, live music and traditional African dancing! My oldest son River and his friend Cadarah sat cross-legged on the concrete near the stage, entranced by the sound of the drums and the movement of the dancers. I remember the warm sun on our faces, the sounds and smells, and the sight of so many from our community gathered together— an evening of goodness. For the sake of memories, I snapped a few photos of the musicians on stage, the dancers and the first few rows of audience, and as we left, I grabbed one more photo of the Q street corner.
A while after the day had come and gone, I felt inspired to recreate what I experienced in a painting. I considered keeping the composition cropped to the stage, the dancers and the first few rows of audience since that’s really all that I had to work with as a photo reference, but that additional image of the Q street corner had me dreaming up a panoramic painting that would better capture the fullness of that moment. I made an ambitious choice and got to work designing a fresh composition including sections of crowd and building I had no reference for. I pieced together snippets of references I pulled from other places and laid in figures and shadows in the foreground to better represent what it felt like standing from my perspective watching the performers that day. Bringing this painting in particular to life has been really satisfying— to not be limited by the photos but instead allow the fullness of the memory be my reference and guide.
— Christy Collins, Artist
This piece is available for purchase.
50% of the proceeds from this sale will be donated to Urban Hope.
This painting will remain on display at Front Porch Cafe for the duration of the series exhibit and will be scheduled for delivery to the purchaser at the conclusion of the exhibit.
