Strength in Creases

Mixed Media on Canvas 20x24

$ 2,200 USD

SOLD

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About this piece

Hair is one of those things that seems to so beautifully connect - or braid - generations and cultures. I remember sitting for hours as my mother and grandmother brushed and braided my hair. It was a time of peace and connection that I will never forget.

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Meet the woman behind the work.

I’m Christina Carmel, and I create beautiful, thought-provoking artwork that tells a personal story and invites you and your loved ones to join in on the conversation. It’s statement storytelling with soul; queer art with heart - provoking conversations that celebrate the rawness, realness, compassion, heartache, and joy of our shared human experience.

Learn more about christina

Absolutely Amazing! Christina painted a picture of our 4 grandchildren and it is perfect. Looking at the painting takes me back to the very moment the picture she painted from was taken. The joy in their faces is the joy of that exact second of time. Having Christina do a painting is more than just the final product. She kept me informed the whole way with pictures of the progress. She let me visit the studio so we could discuss exactly what I wanted in the picture, what was exactly how I wanted it, and what wasn’t quite right. She asked questions about the kids, the family, the situation so she could really understand us so she could make the picture perfectly retell the moment. That’s why she was able to capture not just the scene but the emotion. She asked for closeup pictures of faces so she could get the eyes, hair, and every detail right down to their dimples perfect.She’s the best!

Edward M.Read more Google reviews

We received one of Christina’s paintings as a wedding present and were so blown away by the realistic qualities. Little details like my own hands. Something I look at everyday and know so well she was able to capture so accurately. I was equally moved by the impressionistic qualities of the piece’s stylistic whimsy like Christina’s playful use of color and the painting’s movement from her soft brush stroke style. It is truly the most special gift we received.

Cassie D.Read more Google reviews

In the day and age of technologically enhanced art, it is incredibly refreshing to see art with such vibrant personality, imagination, and realism that is created from nothing but a brain and a paintbrush. Christina has an uncanny ability to recreate your favorite photo while breathing brand new life into it at the same time. Her creative use of color schemes and brush strokes ensure that your painting is YOURS and not a cookie-cutter recreation of your favorite photo. I commissioned Christina to paint a picture of my favorite athlete, LeBron James. There's no doubt thousands of paintings of LeBron around the globe, but there certainly isn't one close to mine, and that feeling is quite special. Professionally speaking, Christina completed my commission in a very timely manner, frequently sent me updates of the progress, and always asked if I had any suggestions for improvement (I didn't have any). If you're on the fence about whether or not you should spend the money to commission Christina to make your favorite picture come to life, get off the fence, do yourself a favor and do it. There's an overwhelmingly great feeling knowing that you possess something that nobody else in the world has.

Mark G.Read more Google reviews

My husband and I fell in love with Christina Carmel’s paintings at Phoenix Pride this year so much so that when we bought one of her “She Series”, “SHEar Power”, we completely redecorated our entire bedroom around her! We also plan to do a commission from Christina very soon. 😊 Christina is beautiful inside and out and our story of meeting her and being able to wake up everyday to one of her paintings is truly priceless!

Melissa B.Read more Google reviews

They say, a picture is worth a thousand words. My belief.....MUCH more than that! There is also a story behind every picture. And what Christina captured for me, is much more than meets the eye. She not only impeccably portrayed my raw emotions in that very moment, but helped me realize an AWAKENING in me that had been strengthening for years. Christina, THANK YOU for truly hearing my story and reminding me that SELF LOVE and SELF CARE, must come first. Before all else! I am eternally grateful to you for gracing my portrait with your love, beautiful spirit and soul! I love you Teeny, my forever soul sister 💞✨

Lisa S.Read more Google reviews

I LOVE Christina’s work. It’s so honest and REAL. Her work is s true representation of women and people in society. She doesn’t paint what a stereotypical society thinks people should look like, who they should love, or what an “ideal” look of happiness is. I bought her CEO painting and it is by far one of the most exquisite pieces I’ve ever had. She portrayed the strong black woman in a simple, colorful, and breathtaking way. This painting is how I see myself, and I thank her for creating it. She’s AMAZING!

Treysia K. Read more Google reviews

I’ve commissioned Christina for two paintings, and will continue to use her for any time I need new artwork! I am in love with her signature, colorful style. She is very communicative throughout the process and sent process updates throughout so I could let her know if I wanted any adjustments - but she was so great I never needed to make any! Thank you Christina for your beautiful work, my whole family loves it!

Gabrielle F.Read more Google reviews

Christina is an amazing artist who so perfectly captures the relationships, thoughts and feelings of the subjects in her paintings. We own her piece "Finally." She is great to work with, is very quick to respond to messages and is very flexible in working with clients who want to bring her pieces home!

Amanda S. Read more Google reviews

There is so much life in Christina's art! The way Christina captures the essence of these amazing figures is beyond beautiful and more than eye-catching. The colors are on another level! Christina is an incredible human being and her passion for people shows through her awe-inspiring talent. I'm a proud owner of a beautiful and powerful piece painted by Christina and cannot wait to be the owner of more. Christina's work is not to be missed and she can do custom orders too!

JennSheaAZ JessieRead more Google reviews

Excited to be the proud owner of a Christina Carmel piece that I’ve been admiring and finally purchased. Cannot wait to have “Cigar Ladies” framed and in the house, it brings so much fun energy to any space it occupies and is hard to pass without smiling. Highly recommend checking out Christina’s collections, powerful art that possesses an uplifting spirit and is visually captivating.

Randy F.Read more Google reviews

Christina is not just an incredibly gifted artist, she’s an incredible human being. My commissioned painting of me and my precious cat that recently passed is my most treasured possession. The way she was able to capture our special bond and love made my heart just feel like it was exploding. I truly didn’t know what to expect but any expectations I may have had were completely surpassed. She made certain she had every detail perfected. Christina puts her whole heart and soul into her work and that is why it’s extra special. Highly recommend her for any painting you may want.

Dawn D.Read more Google reviews

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