Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Mohr.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christina. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I think I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t expressing my creativity in different ways; dance, art, photography, etc. But the one art medium that really inspired and connected with me was photography. I first took a photojournalism class in high school, which included learning about the darkroom process and using an old 35 mm film camera. And I fell in love. I loved that I really didn’t know how my picture was going to turn out until after I developed it, I loved the feel and process of using a film camera, and I especially loved the way my image appeared on a seemingly blank piece of paper. It’s all done through chemistry, but to me it felt like magic. I knew from the start that I wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. That this was it for me.
I began in street photography. The idea of pausing a specific moment in time, never to be seen exactly the same way again, really appealed to me. Capturing these moments usually went unnoticed by the subject, which brought an interesting voyeuristic aspect to my work. Eventually, I moved on to landscapes, nature, and portraits, but still never found my niche. It was extremely frustrating doing something that I loved and was good at, but it never quite fitting right. So I started playing around with taking nature shots. Simple stuff, things people might pass by on the sidewalk and never realize it’s there. It brought in the tone of my street photography, but with plants and animals instead of people. I loved the photos I was taking, but they just didn’t seem quite right. Then I started playing around with the colors. I’ve taken several painting classes, and loved them, despite the fact that I’m not a very good painter! But the best part of those classes was exploring the colors and their combinations. And taking the idea of playing with the colors, but applying them to my photographs instead of a painting, was a Eureka moment! All of a sudden I was creating these amazing pieces that combined my love of color and photography! It was like I was seeing the world for the first time, and everything felt completely and totally right.
These bright and colorful nature photographs are what I’m working on and showing today. It’s taken me a long time to get where I am, and it’s definitely been an interesting process! I’ve felt the highs and definitely all the lows in being an artist. And despite all the setbacks and uncertainties, I wouldn’t have changed it for anything. Because now I’m doing what I love and am passionate about! Who could ask for more?
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think anyone, artist or otherwise, can agree that deciding art as a career path definitely means it’s going to be a bumpy ride! I’ve had all the normal challenges that come with being an artist. Constantly questioning myself is probably the biggest struggle – Will people like my stuff? Do I like my stuff? What exactly am I doing right now, is this even that good? Maybe I should just start over? And these questions are ones I usually ask myself in one sitting!
With my art, I put myself out there for everyone to see, and it’s hard when I know not everyone will like what I’m showing. Sometimes it’s really hard to remember not to take it personally. I’ve definitely struggled with this, especially in my early years as an artist. College is supposed to be a place to explore and find yourself, right? Not for me! I tried, but everywhere I turned, I was told I wasn’t good enough. By teachers, by other students, and eventually by me. If no one else cared, why should I? This led to a period of depression, and not knowing what I was even doing with my life. But thanks to family and close friends, I was able to overcome it and realize that it doesn’t matter if others don’t think my art is good. I think it’s good and that’s what’s important.
Black Daisy Art Studio – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Starting Black Daisy Art Studio was a difficult process, especially at first. I’ve never started a business before. I’ve never even considered it! I had all the ideas, but nothing tangible to show for it. I had to figure out a business name, build my own website, and design my logo. There was so much more that I had to do, things that I didn’t even think of until after I needed them. But I kept at it, even when I thought about giving up. I had to keep reminding myself that this is my dream! Why would I give up on something so important? It had its ups and downs, and everything was trial and error. But I finally landed on something that I was proud of, and it all seemed to just click.
I decided I wanted a way to do more than just sell my art. Working on and showing my art was definitely the main priority, but I wanted to open myself up to more possibilities. One of the careers I thought about going into was Art Therapy; I loved the idea of helping someone overcome their issues through art. So I thought why not incorporate some of that into my studio? In addition to my artwork, I’d also offer art and camera classes to adults and children. Being able to inspire someone and help them explore their creativity really appealed to me. And so many people buy fancy cameras but don’t actually know how to use them! I love the idea of teaching people how to take photographs they can really be proud of!
So instead of my brand being just about my art, I made it a full-service art studio. One that I can add to if I want, one that has limitless possibilities. In addition to the classes, I also offer some really amazing art products! You can get the typical canvases and prints, of course. But I also have some fun options, like a wall tapestry, tote bag, phone case, or throw blanket. And I offer all of that with my art on them, which is still a little mind-boggling to me. I went from nothing to offering a phone case with my artwork on it!
It took a long time to get where I am today and a lot of hard work and patience. But I now have a full-service art studio that has art products, classes, and even editing services for my fellow photographers. I also sell at various art shows around Houston, which I always keep up to date on my website! I’m super proud of how far I’ve come, and all the different things that Black Daisy Art Studio is able to offer.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
For me, success is when you accomplish something and you’re happy at the end of it. And it can be applied for both long and short term. Like when a student studies for a test, then aces it. That’s success. But it’s also when someone is able to retire after a decade from a company. That’s also success. Starting a company from the ground up, marking something off your to do list, stepping outside on a day you don’t even feel like getting up. All of those are success too. The path along the way might be difficult and almost seem impossible at times. Maybe it even causes physical, mental, or emotional turmoil. But if at the end of the road, whatever it is you’re doing, you’re happy with the outcome and how everything ended up, then that’s success.
Pricing:
- Fine Art Products – from $15+
- Beginning Camera Class – $80 per hour
- Custom Camera Class – $120 per hour
- Art Lessons – $30 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blackdaisyartstudio.com
- Phone: 713-294-4101
- Email: christina@blackdaisyartstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackdaisyartstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackdaisyartstudio/
- Other: https://society6.com/blackdaisyartstudio
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
