Ethical Designer Profile: Christina Entcheva

After losing touch for over a year, artist Christina Entcheva and I crossed paths again.  I asked if she was planning on adding more art to her Etsy store, and found out that she’d e-moved:

So I clicked through, and found a whole new side of Christina, and the art she creates.

Vessel

One of my favorite things about artists is that, through their art, we can watch them evolve.  It’s this very special window that allows us to peer into them and see what they see and, often, what we can’t express ourselves.

Behind Masks

When Christina and I were last in contact we worked together on a giveaway.  Her art was more direct back then, and though it still held an element of chaos, the lines and limitations were still fairly straightforward.  I adore her older work, but these latest designs just blow me away.  Every time I revisit one of them I find more details, and rediscover the piece all over again.

Cowardice

So, what inspires this current incarnation of Christina’s art?

“My older work was heavily influenced by fashion illustration. Yet even back then there was this darkness peeking out behind those editorial faces. I’ve always had a love affair with the grotesque, and fashion illustration is not very well suited to that. With my new work, I wanted to focus on something more visceral. I began drawing more freely, and relying on my imagination more. The results are surreal, sometimes gruesome, but hopefully always beautiful. My current collection of drawings [is] based on elements of my own life, as well as the experiences we share in the collective human condition.”

Behind Lust

Along with introspection and artistic integrity, Christina is aware of her impact on the planet.  Here’s how she feels about sustainability, and how it affects her life:

“I think people really need to get with the program. The human impact on the earth has been devastating so far, with little sign of abating. Most importantly, we really need to fix our energy situation! Then, our consumerist habits.

“I’m a freelance designer and artist in a terrible economy, so I’m not consuming very much at all right now! When I do consume, I buy local produce from the Mexican market down the street. I browse the local farm markets. I walk everywhere, or use public transportation. I don’t buy bottled water! [...] I could go on, but what I’m trying to say is that people should be mindful of what they consume and what the consequences of those choices are.“

Excess

Christina is completely self-taught, and works in pen and ink on paper, with the occasional touch of collage work.  You can find her at her ChristinaEntcheva.com, as well as on her Tumblr (in which she showcases some of her favorite artists), Twitter, Facebook, and Society6 store.

Tags: abstract, art, artist profile, christina entcheva, drawings, line drawings, pen and ink

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