I have been an artist from my earliest memories.
I have been a professional artist for 45 years, as well as a kitchen gardener and small-scale farmer. I consider myself a Maker. Fiber arts, textiles, food, and all my work are woven together. Writing this book, I discovered I have had a very prolific output of watercolors, oil-on-paper paintings, and children's books. I started Corn Crib Studio & Publishing, a micro-publishing company. To date, I have illustrated and published thirteen books and won nine national awards. I realized it was time to try to publish a book about my work with my biography.The autobiography section helps illustrate how and why I became who I am today as a person, artist, mentor, and gardener. The many images in the main body of the book feature my artworks. My artwork has two components I focused on. One is what I was thinking in choosing and making the piece. The "why" I made that work. There is a usually a theme I'm exploring with each piece beyond the surface subject matter. The second component is more educational for other artists. If there is a technique or skill that I used for the work that is interesting, I want to share that to those interested in "how" my paintings are made.In art, fiber work, and gardening, I have mentored hundreds of people over the decades to learn or develop their own skills. I believe we are meant to share our gifts and talents. "To whom much is given, much is expected." I take that literally.The preface written by James Dicus is a surprising addition to the book. I found I have a fan who has been watching my artwork for some years.Jimmy is an exuberant force of nature.Surprisingly, even though we have not been friends for long, he seems to understand me through my paintings. I always believed that the art should be able to tell the story without further explanation. What a thrill to know that my work can be understood on its own.The third part of the book has more details about my work as a Kitchen Gardener and small scale farmer.The book is not a comprehensive catalog of my work. There are far too many paintings I have created to do that. I tried to cover the main themes of my work. I hope you enjoy it.
Allen, Christina L.: - Christina L. Allen lives in southern Maryland on a small farm with her husband, two cats, flock of sheep, and heritage turkeys, and chickens. Farm and studio tours available by appointment.She has been a professional artist for over 45 years. Her artwork is in collections across the country and abroad. She has received many professional awards. Locally, she is an Emeritus Artist at the North End Gallery, Leonardtown, MD.The rural life and the beautiful Chesapeake Bay find their way into many of her paintings. Both Christina and her husband are avid gardeners, so plants, trees, flowers, and organic farming are also an important part of her life and work. They also practice sustainable farming. She also is an avid handweaver, spinner, and knitter.Christina is a regional Ambassador for the National Garden Conservancy. She has receive two grants for "Kitchen Gardening" as a Master Artisan from the Maryland State Council of the Arts.Christina's illustrated internationally published children's books have received nine national book awards including The Indie Award for Excellence in Children's Books, The Moonbeam Award(s), the Living Now Book Award; The Evergreen Medal, and Mom's Choice Book Awards. Books are published with her micro publishing company, Corn Crib Studio & Publishing.
Dicus, James: - James Dicus is an award-winning Maryland- based historian, preservationist, and community leader. A former president and board member of several St. Mary's County nonprofits, he is also a nationally recognized War Department Program Manager credited with saving the Department of War and American taxpayer over $1 billion USD between 2015 -2025. A founder of The American Defenders Cup, honoring U.S. veterans. Dicus founded and directs Run for Hospice, which has raised over $1 million for Hospice of St. Mary's County, where he has volunteered for 30 years. His long-anticipated debut book, 'Living in the Precious Time of Dying', inspired by his hospice work, is set for publication in 2026. He is also producing a documentary, Happy Young Americans, about local soldiers lost in service. A passionate art lover, he earned the only 'A' his longtime university painting professor ever awarded.
