Even though these are not the brightest of times, there is still some light in the world, and success stories are still emerging. Former LPGA golf professional turned art gallery owner and artist, Christie Smith is using her newfound love of creating art to foster human connection and inspire inner expression. Seven years ago, after spending a 25 plus year career as an LPGA Golf Professional, Christie was drawn to create art. Shortly after starting with photography and other mediums, she became the owner of an art gallery and found her passion for resin art.
“My artwork is an inner expression of who I am that connects me to others through my artwork. I feel the need to create, to create for the sole purpose of connection… to myself and to others. I want to use my artistic talents to give back to others who are in need,” says Christie.
In recent times, this gallery owner has learned how to adapt to the new normal everyone is facing due to the Coronavirus outbreak. She, along with other business owners across a variety of different industries, has had to pivot her business. No longer able to have a physical location, Christie had to get a little creative with how she sells her art.
As the only art gallery in Half Moon Bay, the Unleashed Art Gallery, in the past, offered a chance for visitors to see her modern and breathtaking work in person. Since she is unable to have visitors in the store she has pivoted to virtual viewings. Many have had to learn how to work remotely during the coronavirus outbreak and Christie is no exception. To her surprise, she is selling more pieces of art than she did before the country started going on lockdown.
One way that she has been able to continue is by activating her small but engaged online community. Knowing how to use Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to help brand your business online is immensely important now. She has leveraged that engagement to host virtual showings via Facetime of her artwork. Now she says she spends more days than she did before packing and shipping pieces out to people.
What has been attracting customers to Christie is her unique artwork. While in the past she has created art through photography and worked with acrylics, she has grown a real affection and skill for resin art. Resin is a medium that involves a chemical reaction that occurs when mixing two components, resin and hardener. While this reaction is happening the artist can move the resin with brushes or by blowing on it to create different effects. Once it dries the result is a high-gloss clear surface.
It is an art trend that has grown in popularity in the United States recently. In addition to her gallery, Christie also was commissioned to create five pieces of art for the Navio inside the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Half Moon Bay. Her success has allowed her to give back as well. She donated 15 pieces of artwork to an emergency room nurse to give to other frontline workers that she works with so they can enjoy the artwork. She hopes that the pieces bring them comfort and delight after a long day of work helping those who need it the most.
In these difficult times, many people are turning to art to bring them joy. Christie’s story and inspirational art is a light and beacon of hope through dark times. The future may not be known, but there is still hope for many small business owners as they learn to pivot their operations to remote and virtual offerings.
