Art That Connects: My Journey from Guatemala to the Canvas and Beyond
Artist Bio
Cristina Link is a New Jersey-based mixed media artist whose work is a voice for the rebellious and introspective soul. Drawing from her own story of adoption from Guatemala to two women in a time where the world fought back to their resilience, Link’s art serves as a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the journey toward authentic selfhood. Her paintings are characterized by visceral mark-making, expressive color, and the potent symbolism of animal guides and the human form.
This intuitive approach is supported by a strong technical foundation, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The School of Visual Arts and a Master's degree in Art Education. As a certified yoga teacher and therapeutic art practitioner, she infuses her studio process with a deep sense of mindfulness and meditation, allowing each piece to emerge organically. Through her brand, Inner Link Artistry, Link aims to create emotional anchors that remind viewers of their own inner strength and the profound connection we share with the natural world and each other.
My art is an invitation to embrace all facets of ourselves: the vibrant, the messy, the raw. It is a bridge between our inner and outer worlds, blending bold abstract realism with the potent symbolism of animal guides and the human form.
My own journey began with my adoption from Guatemala, a path of untangling identity and finding worth. Art became my language for healing. Through visceral black mark-making and expressive color, I explore the beauty of resilience and the wild strength we carry within. The animal guides that emerged in my work became my first messengers of this untamed spirit.
This exploration of the inner wild has culminated in my 'Silhouette & Spirit' series. By capturing the human form, I create a direct connection to the viewer's story. The silhouette becomes a gateway to the primal spirit within, revealing the duality of shadow and light, human and animal. This work is a rebellion against the superficial and a true call to embrace our own untamed story.
While rooted in my personal narrative, my paintings are intentionally created as mirrors. They are emotional anchors for your own introspection, inviting you to find a personal connection and see your own journey reflected in the canvas. They are a celebration of the courage it takes to live as our deepest, most authentic selves.