Arizona artist Nancy Christy-Moore, an internationally collected and award winning painter, brings the joy of color, energy and movement to her contemporary abstract mixed media and alcohol inks work.
Educated at Columbia College, Columbia, Missouri, the American Academy of Art in Chicago, and Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles led her to teaching and exhibiting her work for the past forty years. Classes with highly acclaimed water media artists in southern California during the early ’80’s influenced both Nancy’s painting and teaching style which she passes on in classes and workshops in addition to any newly acquired insights and techniques.
Spirit Farm (SF): When did the first horse dance across your canvas?
Nancy: As a child I began drawing and painting the horses I loved to see, and then ride, as I got older. Later, after my art career was well on its way and while teaching an adult class to find imagery within a non-objective format, I “discovered” horses, in my demo piece for the class. Horses running across the page! From that first painting, I began the process of “discovering” and developing horse images I saw happening on abstract, non-objective backgrounds, into completed compositions that held “stories” of horses and their spirits. I call this process “making order out of chaos” and define it as “inner painting” since it calls forth feelings and images from my subconscious, into the outer world of reality. I can fully express myself with this process and those who love and collect my paintings usually do so because of connection with the spiritual aspect felt in them.
SF: Do you have a favourite breed of horse to paint? If yes, what makes this breed stand out to you?
Nancy: My favorite breed of horse is the Arabian! I love the beautiful head with the huge, wide-set expressive eyes and somewhat dished-face. Their body conformation is also exciting and poetic to me; especially the lovely arched neck, high tail and tapered legs. I also love their gait which sometimes makes them appear as if they are dancing on clouds!
SF: Is there one piece that you have created that stands out to you? If so, what makes this particular piece extraordinary?
Nancy: There are many pieces that stand out for me – I love them all as they each represent journeys into the spirit. One of my most favorites is “Twilight Spirits” (see below) which fully illustrates my feelings, and the many horses contained in it demonstrate my process fully.
SF: Have you had a heart horse? Can you tell us a little bit about him/her?
Nancy: I have never owned a horse of my own but they are all alive in my imagination!
SF: What do you consider your greatest achievement and what would be your legacy?
Nancy: My greatest achievement is my art career and the development of my process, which expresses the spiritual aspect of reality, as I perceive it. I have touched many hearts, on many continents and on many levels, by expressing my love and joy of life through my paintings and creations.
SF: If your horses could talk, what would they say about you?
Nancy: My horses all speak of the love of life and joyful spirit within it.
SF: How have horses changed your life?
Nancy: My horse paintings have given me the ability to express my innermost feelings.
SF: What would be the horse’s message to mankind?
Nancy: Horses offer an image of true friendship and an education in spiritual connection with others. They offer courage, patience and sanctuary, just by their being. Their heads held high give you courage and strength – their beautiful eyes connecting with yours give you peace and understanding. Their antics can give you joy and affirmation of a good world! They are very spiritual and almost magic in their ability to produce calm when in a restive state.
As you can clearly see, even though I paint and create other images besides horses, they are my main happiness.
Thank you, Nancy Christy-Moore, for taking the time to share your experiences with Spirit Farm Gypsy Cobs and their followers.
Pictured below is Nancy Christy Moore’s “Twilight Spirits”
