I am a ‘landscape’ artist and my work varies from surreal urban mash-ups to large scale abstractions, all borne from strong emotions in response to place.
My view is that, arguably, the ‘natural world’ is hardly ever an untouched concept. The philosophical and ‘immanent’ essence of a place with histories, intangible heritage, quality of space, light, colour, dynamism, and the countless way they interact, shape the emotional spirit of a place; these are all matters that influence my approach.
In the studio I reimagine the essence of what captured my attention. My reinventions provide further questions, an ambiguity as an opportunity for reflection which I can offer the viewer.
I work in series from ideas to families of finished work. I believe that dialogue between the pieces inform one another and provide continuity as they all draw on my architectural experience, my Italian origin and my sense of belonging here in the UK.
I paint mainly with oils but also work outside with charcoal, watercolours or inks.
I practice printmaking, etching in particular because I see that the elaborate processes that printmaking offers, as invaluable tools for visual analysis and development.
...’Cristina Gardiner evokes sense of place with stunning landscapes.’ (Hugh Pearman – RIBA Journal Eyeline Competition 2020)
Diploma of Applied Art Istituto d’ Arte di Porta Romana, Florence, Italy
Bachelor of Art, Post Graduate in Architecture, and Master in Design and Theory of Architecture, Birmingham University
Masters of Science in Conservation of Historic Building, Bath University
Portmeor Program (15 months) – St Ives School of Art
Royal Drawing School London – Etching Week
2025 9/01 – 8/02 – RBSA Birmingham – Friends 2025 Exhibition
2024 13/06 – 21/07 – RBSA Birmingham – Summer Show 2024
2024 29/02 – 06/04 – RBSA Birmingham- The Printing Prize, selected
2023 5/09 – 18/10 RBSA Birmingham- The Drawing Prize, selected
2023 – 12 January-17 February – Worcester OPEN Climate Change Edition Group Exhibition at THE ART HOUSE, Worcester
2022 – 15 September/October – RBSA Birmingham – Prize Exhibition- selected
2022 – August – Worcestershire Open studios
2022 – 13/23 May – Elmslie House, Malvern – The Space Between – Group Exhibition
2022 – 15/24 April – Borlaise Smart Room, St Ives – InSight – Group Exhibition
2021 – November – A Pickled Thought Gallery, Totness – Group Printing Exhibition
2021 – August – Worcestershire Open Studios
2021 – July and August – Greenman Gallery – Buxton – 100 years of the Pinnacle Club for Women’s Climbers
2021 – Eyeline International Competition RIBA Journal – Shortlisted
2021 – June/ July – RBSA Birmingham – Friend’s Exhibition
2020 – Eyeline International Competition RIBA Journal– Practitioner’s 3rd Place
2020 – June/July – RBSA Birmingham – Friend’s Exhibition
From December 5th to January 20 a selection of my work will be exhibited at Gloucester Art Gallery, 9 Commercial Road, Gloucester.
Worcestershire Open Studios 2025 will take place 16-27 August.