What happens when you create art purely from your soul, without worrying if it will sell? For Christi Meril, that authentic approach became the foundation of a thriving artistic career she never planned to have.

In this captivating conversation, Christi shares how a simple act of love—creating a handmade menorah for friends—unexpectedly launched her journey as a multidimensional artist. Despite no formal training, she's now a resident artist at ALG Fine Art in the Dallas Design District, creating distinctive mixed-media works that blend urban industrial elements with natural beauty.

"The one thing in my life that I always feel brave about is my art," Christi reveals, explaining how creativity became her refuge from people-pleasing tendencies. This freedom allowed her unique artistic voice to emerge, one that incorporates unconventional materials like nails from old mining ruins—a connection to both her Colorado hiking experiences and her late mother's similar habit of collecting these seemingly ordinary objects.

Christi's story beautifully illustrates how community involvement shapes artistic growth. Through her work with DIFFA Dallas, Dwell with Dignity, and the Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, she's not only shared her talents but built meaningful relationships that continue to enrich her life and work. "If I can't give back with my art, then why should I make art?" she asks, highlighting the profound connection between creativity and service.

Perhaps most inspiring is Christi's journey to embrace her identity as an artist despite lacking formal training. For anyone who struggles to own their creative identity—saying "I paint" instead of "I'm an artist"—her experience offers a powerful reminder that authenticity outweighs credentials every time.

Ready to be inspired? Listen now and discover how following your creative instincts, rather than market demands, can lead to both artistic fulfillment and professional success.

Christi's Profile
Christi Meril Contemporary Multidimensional Fine Art

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