1st Place Winner of the Color Play Abstract Art Contest: Christina Spann

Jun 25

At Creatively Enhanced Virtual (CEV) Art Gallery, we are proud to spotlight artists who push the boundaries of imagination and expression. In our recent Color Play Abstract Art Contest and Exhibition, we witnessed an extraordinary array of talent, but one artist’s vibrant vision truly stood out. We're thrilled to introduce Christina Spann, the First Place Winner of Color Play, whose work captured the essence of bold experimentation, emotional depth, and brilliant color exploration. In this exclusive interview, Christina shares the story behind her art, her creative process, and what inspires her to create.

Let’s start from the beginning... can you share a bit about your creative journey and what led you to the work you’re doing today?

I have always been an artist. As a child I entered art contests, painted store windows and imaginary album covers. In high school I used the creative energy for drama and musical theatre. In college and Graduate school I pursued painting and drawing, art history, and printmaking. I moved to San Francisco in my 20's and immersed myself into the art culture, painting large oil paintings that featured surrealistic architecture. After a few years I became passionate about artistic glass and used my painting, design, and composition to create architectural glass art for commercial buildings. I soon started a business of glass lighting fixtures (Lightspann Illumination Design), using kiln-fired glass, blown glass and cast glass. Lightspann was my main career for 25 years serving the Hospitality, Residential and Commercial Architectural and Interior Design communities. After selling Lightspann to another lighting company, I returned to painting again. I immersed myself into a community of abstract artists from the San Francisco Bay Area and began exploring what is referred to as "Internal Expression." I am diving deep into color and composition that is expressive and non representational.

What inspires your creative process, and how do you stay motivated through challenges or creative blocks?

My creative process comes from many sources such as botanicals, weather, environmental light changes, and mark-making from my experienced hand in paint and other drawing media. I also love mixed media with collage, creating "visual conversations" between image and paint. With my long standing interest in printmaking, I still enjoy printing monotypes whenever a press is available. Staying motivated is currently challenging without gallery representation and regular exhibit to prepare for. I am fortunate to have built my art studio in Tucson's spectacular Catalina Foothills, where I can be on a daily basis, turn on the various music selections based on mood, and be free to paint.

How has your identity or personal experiences shaped your voice as an artist and entrepreneur?

As a "Creative" all my life I have moved "toward the light" so to speak. Art, in whatever form, drives me. I also demonstrated leadership abilities from an early age. Lightspann was my entrepreneurial long term work as the founder/designer with a staff of artists and sales channel partners such as showrooms, galleries, and sales representatives. I still believe I have something to learn and share as an artist so I just keep painting.

Can you share a project or moment in your journey that felt especially meaningful or transformative for you?

In my early thirties I was awarded Best of Show in a large art event in San Francisco's Fort Mason Center, where jurist Marsha Tucker of New York recognized my talent and I was suddenly on the art enthusiasts' radar. Later, when I started Lightspann, I wanted to have artistic lighting installations in well attended public venues, and it happened via contracts with nationally-renowned restaurant designers.

What advice would you give to aspiring creatives looking to find their purpose and build a sustainable path in the art world?

Find your personal passion, not someone else's, then commit to it! Keep tweaking until what you create is your unique style. Build a community for give-and-take honest feedback, then be open and patient with criticism as you filter it for beneficial direction.

Anything else you want our audience to know about you?

I am a good dancer (Ha!)

Christina Spann’s work reminds us of the power of abstraction to speak volumes without words. Her fearless use of color and intuitive approach to composition not only earned her top honors but left a lasting impression on viewers and jurors alike. We are honored to celebrate her as our First Place Winner and look forward to witnessing the continued evolution of her artistic journey. Stay connected with us for more inspiring stories from the creative voices shaping tomorrow’s art world.