Before I start sharing all of my art from the past couple years I would like to share how my art journey started. Some of my oldest sketches that I have photos of are only from 2021 which doesn’t seem that long ago for someone that is in his mid-thirties.

It seems like a lot of artists tend to be influenced by someone they look up to and admire the creations, said artist, creates. This is the same for myself as well. Growing up I spent my childhood watching my mother paint and draw and I would always be really intrigued in how she was able to take something from her mind and bring it to life on paper, canvas, wood, etc. While I attempted a handful of times to simulate what she was doing, I just didn’t have the same natural talent to render such beautiful works of art like she did. Since I didn’t have the same natural talent, my creative drive was focused elsewhere. I played music, I even spent a small stint developing video games.

In January 2020, my mother got sick. She was diagnosed with stage 4 Cancer and it was fairly obvious from the start that the doctor gave her and my father a grim outlook on her diagnosis. This was an incredibly difficult time for my family and myself. During this time, something inside me, compelled me to try drawing again. Even though I still had no talent, I enjoyed it as an escape. I didn’t document my earliest drawings, but at this time I wasn’t really thinking about documenting anything.

On December 7th 2020, Mom passed away. It goes without saying that my family and I were devastated. Nothing can prepare you for a loss like this. The only thing that seemed to help, was to continue making my art. Art gave me focus and brought back good memories of my Mom. This was the start to my art journey, and although I really wish Mom was here, I really like to believe that Mom is walking this journey with me because, although I am and will likely never reach the level my Mom was at, I have progressed substantially since I started this path. I can’t help but to contribute some of this improvement to her guidance.

Christine Marie Baker

November 12th 1966 – December 7th 2020