Christina was born in Erie, PA, to two artists of different types. Her Dad, Frederick I. Chapman, was a professional engineer, creating nuclear engines for military submarines as well as working on other General Electric projects, and her Mom, Patricia M. Chapman, was a talented teacher and wonderful homemaker. She made the world around her more beautiful through her care for the house, her enjoyment of arts and crafts, and her culinary creations for all that graced her table. The home was full of love, freedom, peace, and encouragement that formed the stable foundation for Christina’s artistic pursuits.

Later in life, Christina found out her Paternal Grandmother, Annie Chapman, was also an artist after she was given her Grandmother’s sketchbook.

Christina always enjoyed her art classes at Rolling Ridge Elementary School with Mr. Ventrello, Bethel Christian School with Mrs. Susan Lee, and then Bob Jones Academy with Mr. McEndollar and Miss Hill. But it wasn’t until around age twelve that she realized that she could recreate what she saw around her. This skill was more fully developed in her high school years. When she received the Senior Art Award, her In her senior year of high school, she gained the confidence to pursue a degree in Fine Arts in college. She finished her Undergraduate in 1995, married her best friend the next day, and then completed a Master’s by 1999, both from Bob Jones University.

She grew immensely under the direction of some great South Carolina Artists: Dave Appleman, Kathy Bell, Carl Blair, Emory Bopp, Daryl Koons, Mark Mulfinger, Michael Slattery, and Harrell Whittington. After college, she continued creating, taught some elementary and high school art classes, and also, after 14 years of trying and through God’s great kindness, created beautiful twin boys in 2010.

After a discouraging time in her oil painting, when she was ready to quit, she decided in October of 2020, to take a refresher oil painting class from Kim Smith (@kimmyerssmith). The techniques learned in this course, along with the consistent work, are to keep growing and learning, renewing her love for painting.

Her consistent painting over the past few years has resulted in an abundance of new work that she’s ready to share with her community and beyond.

Artist Statement:

“Take time to smell the roses,” is a good reminder to pause and take in all the abundant beauty of this Earth. I used to run through life just trying to complete the next task or goal, but I missed an important part of life — to simply enjoy the journey and notice the beauty around me. On my walks, I observe the lines of the roses as well as enjoying the beautiful fragrance. In a busy airport, I delight in the repetition of shapes and the bright colors of the lollipops at the candy shop. While shopping in the grocery store, I’m drawn to the way the sprinkles on the donuts add a pop of joy to someone’s day. The softness of the flamingo’s feathers, the shadows cast by a lamp, the folds in a cupcake wrapper, all these little things in life are worthy of the pause. Beauty is all around me, and it is good for my mind to pause and ponder. As I see beautiful shapes and colors, I feel safe, hopeful, and I even begin to heal and feel whole again. So whether I’m painting ducks, donuts, or daffodils, I’m simply sharing a story of what delights my heart.