Cristina Flores

Year of birth: 1985
Where do you live: St Petersburg, Florida, USA
Your education: Master of Science in Project Management from University of Southern California (USC) Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Southern Luzon State University (SLSU)
Describe your art in three words: “Transformative, immersive, luminous.”
Your discipline: “For my original art – I specialize in transformative mixed-media art, exploring light-reactive materials and textured surfaces to create immersive, dual-experience pieces.”
Website | Instagram

Cristina Flores | Sandhill crane

You mentioned that your photography invites viewers to see the world through your lens. What inspired you to combine your love for travel and photography?

I grew up in the Philippines in a humble family, where traveling beyond our region or neighboring towns was a luxury we couldn’t afford. Yet, my curiosity for the world was sparked by postcards, calendars, and magazines—I would lose myself in those images, dreaming of the places I longed to explore. I promised myself that one day, when I had the means, I would travel the world. After finishing college, I started working, and years later, I moved to the U.S., opening new doors to exploration.
In November 2021, I launched my YouTube channel to document my travels and share my experiences. My mission is twofold: first, to inspire kids and individuals who may not yet have the opportunity to travel, helping them see the beauty of the world, appreciate diverse cultures, and broaden their perspectives. And second, to breathe life into the countless photos and videos I had captured over the years—transforming them from personal keepsakes into meaningful stories that educate, inspire, and connect people.
Along the way, I taught myself professional photography, mastering composition, lighting, and angles to better capture the essence of each place I visit. Then, in April 2024, I launched WanderLensArtistry.com, a space where I showcase my travel memories through photography, original artwork, and a travel blog filled with stories from my adventures.
Through my lens, I hope to invite others to see the world not just as a destination, but as a tapestry of stories waiting to be discovered.

Could you share how your journey from the financial sector to pursuing your artistic passions has shaped your creative process?

My journey from the financial sector to the art world is deeply personal and shaped by both responsibility and resilience. Coming from a humble background and being the eldest child, I had an obligation to support my family. While I always had a passion for art, my priority was to provide financial stability—helping my siblings earn their degrees, building a home for my mother, and ensuring my family’s well-being. For nearly 20 years, I dedicated myself to this responsibility, putting my artistic dreams on hold.
Working in the financial sector not only gave me the means to support my family but also allowed me to save, travel, and ultimately invest in my art business. When I lost my job in December 2023, I faced a crossroads. Fear of failure was there, but so was the realization that if I didn’t take this leap now, I might never do it. I chose to embrace the uncertainty, betting on myself to turn my passion for art, photography, and storytelling into something meaningful. We only live once, and I am determined to carve out my place in the art world, creating work that inspires, resonates, and leaves a lasting impact.

Cristina Flores | Sandhill crane dark

You focus on capturing the essence of different locations. What is it about Florida’s coastal landscapes and wetlands that inspires you the most?

Florida, my home state, is a constant source of inspiration with its breathtaking coastal landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems. From the vibrant bird species and serene marine life to the crystal-clear springs and sun-drenched white sand beaches, nature fuels my creativity every day. What fascinates me most is how Florida seamlessly blends urban life with nature—preservation areas thrive even in the heart of cities, where I can observe flourishing wildlife on my daily walks by the lake or while watching the sunset over the ocean. This ever-present connection to nature provides endless inspiration for my arts (original art and/or photography), allowing me to capture the beauty and tranquility of Florida’s landscapes in a meaningful way.

How do you balance the duality of fine art and documentary photography in your work?

Balancing fine art and documentary photography comes naturally to me, thanks to my background in program management, where I was responsible for overseeing projects from planning to execution. That experience instilled in me a strong sense of organization, time management, and prioritization—skills I now apply to my creative practice.
I structure my week with a clear planner, dedicating specific days to different aspects of my work. Some days are focused on creative planning—conceptualizing, developing, and executing art projects for exhibitions and galleries. Other days are dedicated to updating my website, managing content, SEO, blogs, and design layout. I also allocate time for marketing efforts, including video and photo editing, ad copywriting, and digital content creation across multiple platforms. Engaging with my audience on social media is another crucial aspect, allowing me to connect with followers and share my journey.

To keep my creative energy flowing, I make it a priority to explore new places—whether locally once a month or internationally at least once a year. These experiences not only fuel my artistic vision but also help me bridge the worlds of fine art and documentary photography, capturing both the emotion and reality of the places I visit. By balancing structured planning with creative spontaneity, I ensure that both sides of my photography practice thrive harmoniously.

Cristina Flores | Flamingos dark

Your mixed-media art is quite unique. How did you develop the technique of using acrylics, textured paste, and glow-in-the-dark resin?

The art world is incredibly competitive, and I wanted to create something that would truly set me apart from the millions of artists out there. I experimented with various mediums—watercolor, oil, and more—but I found the most joy in pushing creative boundaries and offering a unique experience to my audience.
This led me to develop my signature technique, combining acrylics, textured paste, and glow-in-the-dark resin. The textured paste adds a three-dimensional quality, bringing depth and movement to each piece, making it feel almost alive. The glow-in-the-dark resin introduces a magical transformation—by day, my artwork is rich with vibrant colors and textures, and by night, it takes on an ethereal, luminous glow. This dual experience allows viewers to engage with my work in two distinct ways, making each piece not just a painting, but an evolving, immersive experience.

How does travel shape the narratives you create through your art and photography?

Travel is the lifeblood of my creativity and continuous learning. Each journey deepens my understanding of a place—its history, origins, and cultural significance—while also broadening my perspective on humanity. Through travel, I’ve come to appreciate that while we may look different, speak different languages, or follow unique traditions, at our core, we all share the same fundamental desires: to be understood, to love, to be respected, and to find connection.
Whether I’m observing wildlife in its natural Florida habitat, exploring a centuries-old castle in Austria, witnessing the passion of a live Flamenco performance in Andalusia, or immersing myself in the vibrant energy of Spain’s Las Fallas festival, each experience shapes my artistic vision. These moments influence how I capture my photographs, compose my videos, and tell stories—allowing me to create work that not only documents places but also conveys the emotions, culture, and essence of the world around us.

Cristina Flores | Turtle

Could you describe a particularly memorable moment or place that has deeply influenced your artistic journey?

One of the most pivotal moments in my artistic journey came in December 2023, when I lost my job and found myself at a crossroads. Fear of failure crept in, but so did the realization that if I didn’t take this leap now, I might never do it. It was a moment of reckoning—an opportunity to finally bet on myself and turn my passion for art, photography, and storytelling into something meaningful.
At first, I wondered if it was too late to pivot my career, but then I reflected on inspiring figures like the following:

• Vera Wang, who launched her fashion brand at 40,
• J.K. Rowling, who found success with Harry Potter at 42,
• Julia Child, who published her first cookbook and launched as celebrity chef, at 50
• Anna Mary Robertson Moses, who began painting at 78 and later sold a piece for $1.2 million.

Their stories remind me that success isn’t bound by age—it’s driven by perseverance, dedication, adaptability, and continuous learning. With that mindset, I embraced this new chapter with determination, knowing that it’s never too late to create, inspire, and leave a lasting impact through my art.

Cristina Flores | Flamingos