Shop Bellissima

Shop Bellissima ⋆

Christine Morrow

Abstract Artist Creating in the Space Between 2 D and 3 D

I have an enduring passion for art and science. I originally trained in New York City at the Fashion Institute for Technology (FIT) in textile design and technology. I interned at Jack Lenor Larsen’s design studio. Larsen’s studio is based on his pioneering traditional and abstract fabric weaving methods where I learned these techniques. I have a background in fine art and design, and bring both technical acuity and an unbridled spirit of wonder and discovery to all of my creations. I left the design world to study in California, travel in the western United States, and received my Master’s degree in Science Education. I maintained my passion for art honing my skills in watercolor painting, paper making, and bookmaking arts. My life experiences led me to reside in Colorado where I am continually inspired by the Rocky Mountains and the skies above. My art is an invitation to consider the fluent language of nature, the beauty in form and the symphony of color and shape gifted to us by the world itself. I am an abstract surface artist using multiple mediums, to create compositions that express my love of color, texture, and the natural world.

About Bellissima Impressions

There are two main reasons I love abstract art. Firstly, it stands the test of time and does not go “stale”. Secondly, to echo the words of abstract impressionist painter Arshile Gorky, the process of making abstract art allows me to see and feel what cannot be seen physically with my own eyes. Color stimulates my creativity, which leads me to experiment and blend a variety of colors and textures into an endless number of compositions.

In the Renaissance period, Italy was the main center of artistic development. The Italian word Bellissima translates to “beautiful, lovely, and wonderful” in English. With a nod to my Italian heritage, I found it fitting to name my art business Bellissima Impressions, with the aim to have my art leave a lovely lasting impression on the viewer.

What motivates me?

Keep pushing my artist evolution in different directions

There is a little element of surprise in the background, that part is the fun part.

Caught in the Rain!

Rocky Mountain National Park, Photo cred: Amy B. Roth

Juried Exhibitions and Awards

  • 2024

    • D’Art Gallery | Satellite Exhibit | Denver, Colorado

    • Louisville Art Association National Exhibition | Louisville, Colorado

    • RemainReal Fine Art Gallery| Flora and Fauna Exhibit| Denver, Colorado

    • Center for the Arts Evergreen| 3D: Beyond the Boundaries Exhibit | Evergreen, Colorado

    • Louisville Art Association | Spring Member Show | Louisville, Colorado

    • Women’s Caucus for Art Colorado Chapter | Body of Knowledge II Exhibit | Lakewood, Colorado

    • Rise and Shine Restaurant| Denver, Colorado

    • Louisville Recreational Center | Art in Public Places |Louisville, Colorado

  • 2023

    • The New Local |Boulder, Colorado

    • The Lab on Santa Fe Gallery | Denver, Colorado

    • R Gallery |Boulder, Colorado

    • Depot Art Gallery| 39th Best Colorado Exhibit| Littleton, Colorado

    • Louisville Art Association | Spring and Fall Member Show

    • Sojourner Bookstore | Conifer, Colorado

  • 2024

    • Louisville Art Association | Artistic Achievement Award “Keep Throwing Stones”

  • 2022

    • Louisville Art Association | Fall Member Show | Artistic Achievement Award “We Are All Made of Stardust”

    • 2021

      • Louisville Art Association - Spring Member Show - Best in Show “Triumph-A Festival of Color

Memberships

  • Louisville Art Association

  • Women’s Caucus for Art Colorado Chapter (WCACO)

  • Foothills Art Center

Louisville Art Association, Fall 2022

“We Are All Made of Stardust”

Best Artistic Achievement Award

Louisville Art Association

Best in Show, Spring 2021

Triumph! A Festival of Color

When composing this piece, I was inspired by Holi, the Hindu Festival of Spring.

My Training Studio

A Few Words About Jack Larsen

Surface design is a term coined by Jack Larsen in 1976. "I don't like the term," Larsen will tell you preferring instead “fabric embellishment” to represent the manipulations of surfaces that go beyond woven constructions (https://www.surfacedesign.org/). Larsen felt the loom relegated fabric to the uniformity and that surface designers are more interested in the surface geography and geometry which provide unlimited options for dimensional possibilities and opportunities for experimenting with color, texture, and design. I am grateful for my time in the Larsen Studio as it imprinted a lasting influence on me. Fast forward to this decade and now I create art on a variety of surfaces where the range of textures and colors are endless.

A Play on M.C. Esher’s geometries —Double Weave, 1978 Christine Stout (Morrow), Fabric Used for Pillows