Christi Meril is a contemporary artist based in Dallas, Texas, recognized for her multidimensional approach to fine art that draws inspiration from both natural landscapes and urban environments. She is currently displaying a solo art show at ALG Fine Art called “Reviving Giants: Nature | Form | Legacy.”
One of the most stunning parts of this exhibition is the visual and energetic presence of the old-growth redwood at the heart of her sculptures. This is an intentional and considered choice of material as it adds an emotional and narrative depth to her artwork.
Why work with wood?
The idea to create art taking inspiration from both urban environments and natural landscapes came from her lived experience. Christi shared, “Growing up in Dallas, I was captivated by the energy of the city, while time spent hiking in the Rocky Mountains sparked my deep connection to nature. These dual inspirations have shaped my work ever since, blending organic textures with modern forms.”
For Christi wood is a powerful representation of nature, its resilience through the generations and its majesty. Wood also embodies the earth’s provision as Christi says, “When you are stripped down to your most basic needs, wood is there. It’s oxygen, shelter, firewood, and paper.” Wood is a strong foundation, which is exactly the role it plays in her sculptural work.
The story of redwoods
Christi chose old-growth redwood specifically for this show exploring the renewal and transformation that takes place at the intersection between urban life and the natural world. Their history adds such symbolism and narrative intrigue.
Redwood trees are rare and protected because they were almost wiped out by the timber industry. Now they can be found washed up on the beach, where Christi sources her materials, lost and discarded long ago. They are centuries old and still surviving. With Christi’s craftsmanship, she gives them new life as fine art, quite literally reviving giants.
Christi said, “It’s all about transformation—giving new life to these massive, centuries-old pieces of wood and blending raw, organic textures with really contemporary, unexpected elements.”
Her evolution into paper
A more recent addition to her artistic exploration through wood is the use of paper. Christi describes, “I work in both 2D and 3D, blending traditional painting with sculptural elements. For my redwood sculptures, I incorporate hand-painted canvas, reshaping it into layered, dimensional forms. Some pieces combine paint, paper, nails, and resin to create depth and texture.”
The idea of adding these sculptural elements came to her in 2020 during the lockdown when she spent 6 weeks in the Rocky Mountains hiking with her dog. As paper is a byproduct of wood it felt like the perfect material when using wood as a canvas. It sits on the line between a natural material and an industrial product as it is not in its raw, organic form but is derived from nature. This blending of the lines between the natural and urban worlds and history and modernity is what Christi’s artwork is all about.
The rugged coastline, the towering trees, and the stillness of the forests can all be felt in “Reviving Giants” alongside the energy, movement, textures, and pulse of city life. However much things change, they also stay the same like the timeless, grounding presence of trees.
Experience “Reviving Giants: Nature | Form | Legacy,” a solo show by Christi Meril for yourself by visiting ALG Fine Art. We’re at 1302 Dragon St. and open Wednesday – Saturday 11am – 4pm.
