The main thread in my work is the idea of culture and the elements that exist within it. The particular aspects of culture that interest me are: cultural stories, beliefs, spirituality, and religion. Being Canadian, I have grown up being exposed to many different and interesting cultures. Feeling more like an observer of other cultures rather then a “member” of any one specific culture, I have created the goal of creating a micro-culture for myself - which will reflect the elements that have come to influence me. I see similarities in many of these cultures and I feel drawn to many of the ideas and stories, etc, that are expressed in them.
In my artwork I am attempting to create my own culture through the exploration and analysis of other cultures which reflect my views or have the way I think and express myself. The affect these cultures have on me (my beliefs, etc) affect the development of my personal culture.
Simply put, my personal culture, or micro-culture as I will refer to it, exists because of the influence of many cultures which affect or reflect me and my views in one way or another, and may influence or support my own thoughts/beliefs and in turn influence my creative expression - the way I choose to create/express my micro-culture.
Christina Vieira
Artist, Flying Squirrel Studio