Interview with Christine El Ojeil
Christine El Ojeil is a Lebanese International multi -award- winning artist living in Dubai.
She learned drawing basics at an Art Academy in Beirut – Lebanon, and fully immersed herself in the art of color and composition. She continues to perfect her art by widening her knowledge through different painting workshops and techniques.
Christine’s artwork is a reflection of her thoughts and feelings. She gets inspired from life circumstances and expresses herself through colors and shapes. Most of her artwork is oil on canvas. Her collections were exhibited internationally with Solo show in Beirut – Lebanon, at Art Fairs and Galleries in Dubai – UAE, Doha – Qatar, Venice – Italy, Milan- Italy, Rome – Italy,
Tokyo – Japan, Central State Museum Almaty – Kazakhstan, and were showcased on the big screens of Time Square NYC – USA.
Her artworks were featured in Magzoid Magazine, Artventurous Magazine.
“Every time I use my brushes, a new story is told, translating my feelings, my emotions, and my thoughts..
With every new painting rises a new challenge: my own story to tell.
Every painting is a reflection of my deepest emotions, it carries with it a piece of me.”
How did your early experiences with drawing and painting on wood pieces from your father's carpentry shop influence your artistic style and approach?
Growing up in a war zone, art supplies were hard to find, especially when my parents’ main focus was to keep their kids alive and safe. This has led to me drawing on whatever I could get my hands on, mostly pencils on pieces of wood. It grew my eagerness to explore different tools, color, and techniques, which is what I am doing today.
After taking a break from art, what motivated you to reconnect with your passion and enroll in an Art Academy in Beirut?
I have always been passionate about art. The break I took, despite long, didn't stop my passion or my love for drawing and painting. I knew this was my calling. The encouragement I received from my family and my friends to follow my dreams was my main motivation. My sister's guidance to register at the academy in Beirut was a big help and a push towards a first step.
You mentioned that each painting carries a piece of you. Can you share a specific instance where you felt deeply connected to one of your artworks?
To be able to paint, I need to feel connected to the subject of my paintings. If I had to choose, I would say Blossom resonates the most with me. It represents my life through the Lebanese War and the hardships and obstacles that we had to overcome. This is symbolized by Blossom’s cracked face. The petals growing on the faded face show resilience, courage, and hope, and are a symbol of a new blooming life. Hope keeps us going, it shows us the light despite all the darkness.
What life circumstances have most significantly influenced your work, and how do you translate these experiences into colors and shapes?
I feel that most, if not all, of my paintings carry a hopeful sadness. This is a result of spending my childhood and my teenage years in a war-torn country, seeing and feeling the closeness of death and destruction. However, the hope for a brighter future is always there, and I convey it with the use of strong, intense colors on a black background.
You've expressed a preference for oil painting. Aside from its rich pigmentation and smooth texture, what other aspects of oil painting do you find appealing?
Oil requires patience and delicacy, both of which fit my character best.
How has your art evolved since you first started, and how do the workshops and techniques you've learned recently influence your current work?
The workshops and techniques are the foundation that pushes me to be more adventurous in my art. For example, use different materials like the 3D masks on canvas in My Mask Collection, or the gold paper in some of my paintings. I have learned to take risks, embrace constructive feedback, and grow more confident in my art.
In what ways has the love and encouragement of your family been a generating force in your art career?
My family has always supported me and pushed me to follow my dreams. The best part is celebrating my success with them.
When someone views your artwork, what emotions or thoughts do you hope to evoke in them?
I wish for the viewers to escape through my art. I would love for them, when they see a painting of mine, to dream, be curious, and be reminded to never lose hope.
What has been the most challenging aspect of telling your story through painting, and how have you overcome it?
I have to say that the most challenging aspect comes from within. It is the self-doubt and the fear of failing, especially at the earliest stages of my career. Through self-compassion, resolve, and determination, along with the support of my family and friends, I have learned to overcome my fears.
Looking forward, what new themes or techniques are you excited to explore in your artwork?
I would like to explore more abstract techniques to incorporate in my personal style in the near future.
