CHRISTINE FOREST, MD
Christine D. Forest, psychiatrist and artist
Dr. Forest always wanted to paint. But because of the time and effort required to build her career as a psychiatrist, there was very little time to devote herself to her passion. It was not until 2008 when, during a trip to Kyoto, Japan, visiting Nijo Castle, one of the most beautiful examples of art and architecture of Japan of the 1600s, that she decided to carve out the time to pursue art. Deeply moved by the beauty of Japanese brush painting, she started studying Chinese and Japanese brush painting with Chinese and Japanese teachers, well known artists in their fields, like Ms. Angela Hsin, a master of Lingnan style brush painting.
Dr. Forest has presented her work at exhibits specializing in this art style, including American Artists for Chinese Brush Painting and other galleries and organizations, receiving good reviews and multiple awards. Gradually, she has started translating the skills and concepts of Chinese and Japanese brush painting into abstract works in acrylic on canvas.
Anchored in the tradition of Joan Mitchell and Per Kirkeby, she has studied with Los Angeles artists/teachers privately and through art classes at Otis Art Institute and Santa Monica College. Her recent work has been included in to curated exhibits like Mirrors of the Mind (an annual event at which Dr. Forest has been showing her paintings for the past 5 years) and more recently through her membership with Los Angeles Art Association, in various exhibits like ‘’Field of Vision’’ and ‘’Indistinct Chatter.’’
Other galleries and shows: Laguna Art Gallery and Art San Diego.
Flying Solo
(Acrylics on Canvas, 30”x48”)
Sometimes we just feel the need to take off, head boldly toward new horizons in a quest for promising new choices and opportunities. “Flying Solo” is dedicated to these moments of thrilling excitement combined with a tinge of fear of venturing into the unknown. Fueled by an irresistible desire to break old stale patterns and create new, brighter ones, we forge forward regardless of all that could hold us back. And sometimes, that is a personal quest we can only do solo, on our own.