Artist Statement

Every person is important, created for a purpose in this life. Everyone has gifts, talents, a story. That mixture of the innate and experiential—good and bad experiences—makes a unique, special and beautiful person.

I illustrate the inherent value of every person through the beauty of creation, especially of the human face and form. I use cast-off treasures like paper scraps, bits of jewelry, gemstones, typography, stamps, handwriting, parts of old photos and other embellishments, with highly-rendered main subjects to make a new creation which emphasizes the hope of redemption and new life from discarded things. The result is a one-of-a-kind painting.

As with people, there are many layers of detail, and stories that whisper through the surface. With the current clashes of hatred and violence between people in this world, if I can show the value and treasured identity of human beings and what we were created to be, maybe I can encourage people to think about their neighbor differently, and with love and hope.

Biography

Christine Kerrick is an artist from West Chester, Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration and Design at the Philadelphia University of the Arts, where she developed a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary artistic disciplines.

Christine’s artistic influences are diverse and notable. She draws inspiration from the masterful drawings of DaVinci, Michelangelo, and Michael Parkes, as well as the elegant works of Alphonse Mucha. Contemporary artists such as Martha Erlebacher, Phyllis Purves-Smith, David Bilmes, and Peter deSeve have also significantly shaped her artistic perspective.

Growing up in the countryside, Christine spent her formative years herding goats, riding horses, building hideouts, drawing, and writing. The film Star Wars was a pivotal inspiration, sparking her interest in drawing characters and faces. This early fascination led her to explore portraiture and sequential art, setting the stage for her future endeavors. Even before attending college, Christine began working professionally, creating portraits and comic book art.

Following her formal education, Christine took on various roles that allowed her to expand her skills in design and digital media. Despite her proficiency with modern tools, she maintains a preference for traditional artistic mediums, especially drawing, as well as acrylic and oil painting.

Christine enhanced her expertise by studying forensic facial imaging at the FBI Academy. She specializes in providing identities to unknown individuals through composite sketches using cognitive interviewing techniques, postmortem drawings, and facial reconstruction based on skeletal remains. Her forensic art has aided law enforcement in Florida in capturing criminals and identifying homicide victims, and she has also contributed to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s efforts to identify human remains.

Christine’s body of work includes illustrations for books and comic books, as well as album covers and private commissions. She has designed logos and brand identities for various clients. Her artwork has been exhibited and licensed throughout the United States and globally, underscoring her impact and recognition in the art world.

Curriculum Vitae

Texts/Publishing

2020. EMPIRE: End of the Age. 132-page graphic novel of the three collected EMPIRE comic books by Christine

2020. BLAM- Black Lives Always Mattered!: Hidden African American Philadelphia of the Twentieth Century original graphic novel project. Illustrated nine pages of notable Philadelphian Dr. Ethel Allen

2018. Philadelphia Jazz Project: Volume 1. Publisher: BLAM, through Temple University. A book of a collection of notable Philadelphia jazz musicians. Painted one collage piece of drummer George ‘Butch’ Ballard

2017. NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) winner. Completed 50,000 word first-draft fiction novel in thirty days in November

2016. How To Tell A Prince From A Frog – Law enforcement techniques for knowing who you’re dating. Non-fiction book with spot illustrations

2014. Kerrickters. A sketchbook by Christine Kerrick. 24 pages

2011. To Romance, With Love. Dave Valletta, publisher. 115 page illustrated cookbook

2011. Paper Magic Corporation – illustrated, designed and copywriting for greeting cards

2010. Daughter In Law Rules book – Illustrated cover and spot illustrations for book

2010. Swimming with Mr. Blue. Children’s book illustration

2007. Soul Trappers. 32-page comic book about a police officer fighting human trafficking

2006. Diary of Hope.Full color graphic novel featuring mixed media paintings

2001. EMPIRE 3: The Return. 60-page pencil-illustrated graphic novel of the end of the EMPIRE story, based on the book of Revelation

1998. EMPIRE 2: Antichrist. 32-page comic book based on the book of Revelation

1996. EMPIRE 1: The Vanishing. 32-page comic book based on the book of Revelation

1989. Plastic Club Award for Illustration. Philadelphia, PA

Please email me to see my full resume.