Christina Cowan is a talented artist who switched from social work to full-time painting. In this interview, she talks about how art helped her heal after losing her aunt and dealing with mental health challenges. Growing up surrounded by art, creativity came naturally to her, and over time, she discovered her true passion for it. Christina’s art focuses on empowering women and promoting self-love. She uses materials, colours, and textures to express emotions and tell stories. She also shares how participating in art shows and hosting her solo exhibit helped boost her confidence as an artist.

Christina V. Cowan is a featured artist in our book “The Creative Process.” You can explore her journey and the stories of other artists by purchasing the book here: https://shop.artstoheartsproject.com/products/the-creative-process-book

Christina Cowan is a licensed social worker and a full-time artist in Connecticut. She has transitioned from social work into a professional artist, taking a new love and appreciation for life’s simple and positive aspects, reflected in her art through emotions and themes. She grew up surrounded by art, as her mom and aunt were artists and shared an art studio. Christina is currently a student with the Milan Art Institute in their Mastery Program, where her art has grown immensely, and she has indeed found her voice and unique artistic style. Notably, she has been accepted into multiple juried shows at Artists’ Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, Hygienic Art Gallery, Essex Art Association Gallery, Spectrum Gallery, and Guilford Art League; through Arts to Hearts Project, she has been published in their 101 Art Books: Floral Edition, Arts to Hearts Project book – Colors, Arts to Hearts Project book – Art and Women, Arts to Hearts Project book – The Emerging Artist’s Handbook: Insights from 100 Emerging Women Worldwide Arts to Hearts Project book – 101 Art Books: Animal Edition, as well as their magazine and virtual art exhibit on the theme of colours; is a member of Women in Arts Network; and has had her solo gallery showing at the Clinton Art Gallery where she is now training to become the Gallery Manager.

1. How did growing up around artists influence your creative journey, and when did you realize art was your true passion?

Growing up, I often spent much time at my mom and aunt’s art studio. The way they spoke about art in such a happy and exciting way made me much more interested in art. It always came naturally to me. When I was in college, I was grieving the loss of my aunt and working through mental health struggles. I became very inspired by Charmaine Olivia’s art. I wanted to feel close to my aunt again and feel better emotionally, so I started studying Charmaine’s art. Eventually, I began to create my paintings, bringing much light back into my life. Since then, making art has been the only thing that has truly felt right for me. When I think about the fact that not every day is guaranteed, I immediately think about how there is so much more art I want to make. That is how I know art is my true passion.

My artistic voice focuses on empowerment, especially in women – using colors that bring me happiness and embrace my femininity. 

Christina Cowan

2. Your art focuses on self-love and empowerment. How do these themes connect to your work as a social worker?

In social work, so much of my work with clients, patients, and their families focuses on empowerment, which is having self-love, appreciation, and respect for yourself. Yes, as a social worker, I advocate for others and connect them to resources. But it is also my job to empower them to do that independently. My nature is to lift people, focus on their strengths, and help them feel heard, seen and understood. I strive to have that reflected in my art and work.

3.  Can you explain your creative process and what drives your choice of materials and colours? 

My creative process combines mixed media and oil paint. I will start sketching my source to ensure the proportions and angles are correct, saving me time and stress when painting. Then, I will pick out collage materials and my favourite parts. I will compile materials that match my source through colours and patterns. I include quotes from poetry books that relate to the emotions in the painting. The materials and colours I choose all coincide with the feelings I try to convey in the painting. I will also incorporate pastes while collaging to create extra texture. Then, I will start with transparent oils, move into opaque oils, and finish with cold wax for additional texture.

4.  How have juried art shows and solo exhibits impacted your confidence and growth as an artist?

Being a part of juried art shows, especially my own solo exhibit, has allowed me to connect with others, understand firsthand how my art makes others feel, and learn how to speak about my art with both other artists and everyday art collectors. This has grown my confidence as a professional artist and taught me how I need to carry myself as one.

Creating art feels like I am being the most authentic and true version of myself.

Christina Cowan

5. What emotions do you hope viewers feel when they connect with your work, and how do you see art as a tool for healing?

I want my viewers and collectors to feel like they have entered a world of light, positivity, and safety. My art will connect to others who have not always felt heard, seen or struggled with self-love. I want each time a person views my art; they notice a new little detail they didn’t see before. That is what unseen beauty is about.

6. What advice would you give to women seeking their creative voice?

Please do not make your creative voice small and safe. Be loud. Push whatever creative envelope is your passion. To find your creative voice, focus on what you want others to feel when they see your art, what aspects of your creative process bring you the most joy, and what you want your art to say. And then push that voice.

Through her thoughtful insights, Christina Cowan reminds us that art is more than just a visual experience—it’s a way to connect with others, heal, and empower. Her journey from social worker to full-time painter shows how creativity can bring light into both the artist’s and the viewer’s lives. To learn more about Christina, click the following links to visit her profile.

Arts to Hearts Project is a global media, publishing, and education company for
Artists & Creatives. where an international audience will see your work of art patrons, collectors, gallerists, and fellow artists. Access exclusive publishing opportunities and over 1,000 resources to grow your career and connect with like-minded creatives worldwide. Click here to learn about our open calls.