I can’t think of many more inspiring ways to live than with a partner who shares your passions. Yesterday, we had a little chat with Jon Davenport, who is married to fellow artist Christy Kinard, and today, it’s Christy’s turn to fill us in on her thoughts on what makes their creative partnership so special. You’ve heard what He Said, here’s what She Said.
artsy | Christy, you’re from the American South, Jon is from the UK. How have your backgrounds influenced your own work and has each of your backgrounds influenced the other’s work?
she said | The South has always influenced my work with its beautiful rich landscapes and flowers. The brightness and vibrancy of the South comes out in my work. There is a lot of light in my work which comes from being in such a bright environment. My work is colorful and happy. I did live in in London with the darker overcast sky and I truly believe the sunshine is a direct influence in my work. It pours into my studio space and flows into the details of my work.
After living in London and painting there, I had the opportunity to visit many fabulous museums and galleries. Two of my favorites are the Tate Modern and the Saatchi Gallery. I use to walk along the South Bank almost weekly to visit the Tate Modern and I always went to the exhibitions at Saatchi Gallery. The work in both of these places are extremely contemporary and very different from my own.
I also had the opportunity to paint with a British artist in a studio in Wimbledon. My work was less edgy but I loved being around something different . This was a wonderful time for me and changed my work significantly. I started to incorporate fabric and fabulous papers while in London. They had an amazing paper shop I found in London and I started to really layer my work with fabric I found and really fantastic papers.
artsy | Do you share a studio or work separately?
she said | Jon has his own office space where he does graphics and design which he incorporates in his work he spends most of his time there. I have the studio or did have the studio..lol! I have a large studio space and Jon does use it, but we are usually not working at the same time. I am usually in the studio during the week and he will slip in and do his work sometimes but it is usually when I am not painting. He works sometimes over the weekend he will use the studio. We are respectful of each other’s space and the studio is really large enough to share.
artsy | Do you talk about your work together, give each other artistic advice of any kind?
she said | Yes! We talk about our work. We have critiques often, it is really quite helpful to see your work from another set of eyes. When painting for shows, it is especially helpful when I am stuck on a piece. He has such a great sense of design and composition, he can help me start to get unstuck. It is me though who either takes his advice or not. I sometimes I disregard it and sometime I play with his idea but always make it my own. I have to say though it is a beautiful situation. I love him being there and it’s a great gift to have him when I need advice.
artsy | Being an artist especially in the internet age, is often an around the clock job. How do you balance your work and home life?
she said | It is a real challenge and I’m still working on it! My day usually starts at 9-10 and ends at 4-5. We are lucky to be able to work at home with our three young children. We have some help with the children during the week but it’s nice to run upstairs to eat lunch with them or say hello. We like to be involved with our children and it is a blessing to be here with them and watch them as they grow. During the week they also go to preschool so we still have the flexibility to be there for carpool and all that comes with having children at school. We have a schedule now that is working but something is always changing with three kids 4 and under!
artsy | Every marriage is a balance of gifts and personality, each partner bringing with them their own strengths and imperfections. Are there certain areas where you each excel and others in which you find yourself helping each other out?
she said | Jon is super dad with the kids! He does all the “boys stuff “with our three which is new to me being the youngest of three girls. He does so much with the boys and their games. I grew up in a house with barbie dolls and cabbage patch kids. I am learning though about super heroes and legos!
I help keep the house in order! With three boys there is lots to do at home everyday. I love being an artist and having this career but as much as I love being the artist I love more being a loving wife to Jon and a mom to my three boys. We both help each other out, we are a team and have to be to be able to run family and careers and try to find that balance.
artsy | You have three young ( and adorable! ) sons. Have any of them shown an artistic inclination? If one of your sons told you he wanted to become an artist, what advice would you give?
she said | One of the twins, Charlie, is showing unbelievable talent at 2! I think he may be an artist or do something with the arts. His drawings and paintings are so developed for a 2 year old, they have shocked Jon and I. All three are special though and exceed in many activities. I will encourage my children to go after their dreams..always! Thats what I did!
artsy | What do you see as the most important characteristic for two creative people in partnership to cultivate?
she said | To encourage, love and support each other and work together as a team. It helps to have the kindest most loving husband in the world. I am deeply in love with him.
Thank you so much to Christy & Jon for giving us this little glimpse into their work and family lives and how the two are intertwined. The way they love and support each other as people and artists truly shines!
To see more of Christy Kinard‘s work, please visit her website.
All images are via the artist’s website or Facebook page.
