Getting to know the Artist, Curator, & Gallery Leader
Christine Nordstrom defies conventional labels, preferring to see herself as an experimental doer of mixed media and an intrepid explorer of overlooked treasures. Venturing into unconventional realms and scouring uncommon places, she seeks out the extraordinary in the seemingly mundane, transforming unwanted items into captivating works of art. With a fearless approach to materials, Christine’s creative journey knows no bounds; every medium is fair game in her quest to uncover the hidden beauty within the discarded and disregarded. Through intricate layering and tactile exploration, she breathes new life into forgotten objects, inviting viewers to see the world through a different lens. Her artistic vision crystallized with “Wrecked Ideas,” a venture focused on reclaiming and repurposing materials, which burgeoned into “The Strange & Unusual Gallery” alongside her husband, Terry Eastham. Despite the tumultuous backdrop of a global pandemic, their artistic haven in downtown Joliet persevered, evolving into a vibrant hub for artistic expression and community engagement. Through her work and the gallery, Christine endeavors to inspire others to perceive the world with fresh eyes, embracing the beauty inherent in the unconventional and the overlooked.