Christi Friesen is an artist that many of us know better from behind the counter at the local tee shirt joint, 'hachapi Tees. What you may not know is that she's been moonlighting as an artist for several years, and now has her studio in the back of the shop where she sculpts and creates artwork that is starting to get some larger notice.

Friesen works in mixed media, combining polymer clay with semi-precious stones, beads and gems, making one-of-a-kind sculptures that range from small art beads to elaborate necklaces and intricate sculptures.

She also writes for magazines with six published articles and three more scheduled for upcoming issues of Art Jewelry, Bead and Button, Step By Step Beads and others.

Christi's writing has also led her to produce two books (with another in the works). "Dragons: Polymer Clay Sculpture," a 48 page, full-color book arranged with step-by-step instructions and lots of extra artwork and suggestions on how to make your own projects in Friesen's signature style, and most recently "Welcome to the Jungle," another 48-pager with "tips, techniques, inspirational ramblings and creative nudges " for more delightful and fanciful creations. Next up (due fall 2006): "Under the Sea." The books are available on Friesen's website, as well as locally at the Tehachapi Art Center, and Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble online, and other stores and venues. Friesen has also received recognition for her work recently by having her pieces accepted into three prestigious exhibits.

First, a sculpture was accepted by the American Women Artists organization and was exhibited in December '05 at the Texas Art Gallery in Dallas. This show had over 1000 entries from around the country, of which only 55 pieces were chosen.

Secondly, a sculpted necklace piece was accepted to the "Wearable Expressions" show which received submissions from artists around the world. That show was also last December at the Palos Verdes Art Center.

And thirdly, another piece of art jewelry was accepted and won a first place in the Bead Dreams contest sponsored annually by Bead and Button magazine and displayed during their annual show in Wisconsin this summer. All winners and finalists of Bead Dreams are also featured in the recent issue of that magazine.

About these exhibits, Friesen went on to say, "It is exciting to have something you've created be accepted into a big show and even more thrilling to be awarded. It is wonderful exposure - many people get to see what you do and enjoy it, and they may even decide they want to purchase some of it, which is always fun!" 

Christi's work is currently on display locally at Tehachapi Art Center and CrossRoads Gallery, and other venues across the United States. She is also a much in-demand teacher and her classes are regularly sold out.

"Being an artist isn't really an option for me any more," says Friesen. "I am compelled. It's something in me that has to be expressed. I'm very lucky that my family has been so supportive since the more artwork I do, the less home-cooked meals I make."

Christi smiles and adds, "The bathroom could use a good cleaning, too. Oh, well, the sacrifices we make for art."

Christi Friesen's sense of humor shows in her art and her writing. "About the Author" from the back cover of "Welcome to the Jungle":

"Christi Friesen began her life at an early age. But, when she wandered away from the village into the jungle, she was never heard from again. Perhaps she was raised in the wild by a kindly ol' bear, an over protective panther and some friendly pachyderms.

"When she emerged back into civilization years later, no one seemed to notice much. Still, the food was better, so she stayed.
 

"It is presumed she is not dangerous."