Christina Morrison is a self-taught acrylic artist based in Victoria, BC, with a deep passion for boats and harbours, particularly the tugs, old wooden boats, and working vessels of the West Coast. She is captivated by the rich histories and stories these boats carry, as well as the memories her art evokes in those who view it. Christina's artistic journey began in 2013 when her painting “We’re Still Here” was featured in the Emily Carr-inspired show at Madrona Gallery in Victoria. That same year, she became a member of the Coast Collective and participated in numerous group exhibitions. In 2015, her painting “Welcome to Victoria” was accepted into the Sooke Fine Arts Show, and she continued to have works accepted in 2016 and 2019. Over the years, she has completed several artist residencies, including at Fort Rodd Hill and various hotels.
Currently, Christina is focused on her ongoing project, The West Coast Tug Project, where she is painting every working tugboat on the West Coast of British Columbia—over 575 in total. As tugboats play a crucial role in island communities, Christina aims for this collection to one day be recognized as part of our Maritime history. Launched in 2020, Christina now has 100 completed paintings, created in collaboration with mariners and marine photographers who submit reference photos. Christina hopes to eventually compile the paintings, photographs, and details about the tugs into a coffee table book.
Christina grew up in the coastal town of Sooke, BC, and now resides and works in Langford, BC. She dreams of one day having a studio with an ocean view, where the beauty of the landscape would continually inspire her.