Hello!
I am thrilled to invite you to my online gallery, where the worlds of nature and eternity converge with beauty, color, and vibrancy. My name is Christina Stefani, and I am a Greek-Irish artist based in Oregon and Hawaii. As you explore my contemporary abstract art, I aim to share with you the story of my journey – a journey shaped by an unwavering passion for art, marked by grief, perseverance, and the pursuit of love and life.
For over 20 years, I worked as an art director, graphic designer, and branding consultant while also collaborating with my husband in his portrait, wedding, and art photography business, Stefani Photography. Despite honing my skills in advertising, branding, and various forms of photography, I felt an undeniable yearning for my true passion: painting.
So, I began to shift my focus from photography to painting by creating art in our home studio on nights and weekends. On the few occasions I showed my work in shows at our gallery, it was a disaster. I was openly mocked and criticized, laughed at. Sadly, I believed the harsh critics without questioning their motives and allowed it to crush me. I didn't pick up a paintbrush for over seven years.
In the midst of my self-doubt and frustration, my husband was unwavering in his support and encouragement. Despite our 38-year age difference, we had an incredible, fulfilling life together marked by love, creativity, and peace. But that’s a story for another day…
Eventually I gained strength, learned to commit to my vision, be true to myself, and pursue what truly made me happy.
And then it happened.
My greatest fear came true: my husband's health began to deteriorate, and he experienced strokes and cardiac events. I became his caregiver during the last few years of his life. Amidst the intense pain, exhaustion, and grief, I had a profound realization. I needed to take control and make changes to transform my life and career. It was time for a significant transformation—a turning point.
It was during this time that I founded my wellness, decor and (soon) skincare company, Stefani Living Co. I also continue to own and operate Stefani Fine Art, an online art gallery that represents my husband's photography, as well as other curated artists.
The loss of my husband has deeply affected every part of my life, especially my art. Before he passed away, he asked me to create artwork that reflected the joy and beauty of life and humanity. I now work to fulfill his wish every day. My work is imbued with the joy of existence and a serene quality that I had never experienced before. It is truly inspired by the divine. As I explore the intricacies of life, love, and eternity, creativity flows effortlessly.
If these ideas resonate with your own life journey, I hope you feel a deep connection with my work. For the past several years I have only been selling privately to existing collectors that I know personally. Now it is time to spread my wings and offer them to you as well. These new works are being released to the public for the first time. My goal is to share the beauty and joy of living with you.
Please explore the links on my website and discover my new world of art. Have you considered becoming one of my esteemed art collectors? Art is a gift meant for everyone. Let go of the misconception that purchasing art is exclusively reserved for the wealthy. If you're curious to learn more about my art and how you can become a collector, please sign up for my VIP List (below), where you'll receive valuable information.
Living with art is one of the most enlightening and culturally enriching gifts we can offer to ourselves. I warmly invite you to join me and become a part of my journey of life and beauty after grief and loss. Your presence would be a valuable addition to my story.
Warmest regards,
Christina Stefani, artist
