FOUNDER

Spending her lifetime loving and wondering about the world, Christina Watka uses the simple delight of experiencing nature fully to create layers of meaning in space. All of her work is based heavily in process, using her body in a repeated creative gesture to make work that discusses light and joy and the interplay between the two.

In her most recent Light Totem series, she works with a natural material—mica— to create kinetic sculptures of reflected light and colored shadow. The work pushes the boundaries of simple sculpture because each Totem is kinetic; the expression is not limited to the wall on which it resides. Instead, the light found in any suspended space moves around the room creating a changed place and a purpose in the moment.

In her long-standing Murmuration series, Christina works with porcelain and forms pools of light with her hands. Each piece passes through the artist’s hands at least five times before finding a final home on a wall. Throughout any given day, light in the room moves across the work and casts subtle shadows behind the pieces.

No matter what, site-specific installation art changes the essence of a given space more than any other art form, and that is where Christina finds a home.

HEAD RIGHT HAND

Lauren has been helping Christina for the last six years. She is a steadfast, reliable, and incredibly productive assistant who is always willing to take a trip for the sake of art. When she is not traveling the world installing Murmurations or climbing questionable scaffolding with Christina, she can be found on a ladder inside some of the most breathtaking window displays in New York City.

Thanks to their history working closely together, Lauren is able to be on site solo and make the kinds of assessments that Christina would make if she were there.

Finally, her jumpsuits are enviable.

LIFT OPERATOR, KNOT MASTER, LADDER CLIMBER

Andrew comes to all of the largest installs because he is someone who can figure anything out. His skillset is vast, as are his life experiences. As a firefighter and professional musician, he excels in a myriad of jobs and never complains. His attention to detail is unmatched.

He brings his own tool belt.