Christina Schneider is a vivid example of how personal transformation can lead to a new vocation. Her paintings are not just canvases, but a reflection of a deep inner world, a synthesis of cultural experience from Kazakhstan and Germany, and the result of personal art therapy. In this exclusive interview for Global Talent Confederation, Christina Schneider will tell us how two different cultures shaped her worldview, how art became a path to healing, and what it means to be internationally recognized at the very beginning of her artistic journey. We'll discuss how her psychological insights influence her creative process, as well as her plans for the future. Get ready to dive into the story of a person who dared to break patterns and make a statement through art.
Your biography spans Kazakhstan and Germany. How have these two cultures influenced your worldview and perhaps your art?
My profession recognized by the German state, in which I studied and worked for more than 10 years (before becoming a counseling psychologist), is paralegal. There is very little creativity in this profession and creativity is limited by the conditions of German law. In legal disputes and procedures, work is done according to a strict structure and formulaic rules. I kind of lived without any creativity at all, except for music. Music accompanies me always and helps me in my creative process.
Since my life experience is limited to the view of law (I am 35 years old and we came to Germany in 2001), I can only speak from this point of view. People from Kazakhstan living in Germany are much more empathic and friendly than most Germans, which more often than not, at least in Germany, leads to a sacrificial attitude. Germans are more selfish and calculating, but it is these qualities, combined with achievement, that have led the German economy to prosperity.
Here you need to be able to stand up for your interests without fists and not to sacrifice in any way. But as an empathic person, it took me a long time to get to this concept. Emotions usually took me over. Working in law, you learn self-regulation – especially when it comes to family disputes.
Because I see both cultures in my own way, I’ve learned to let myself choose the better position. Example: while many from Kazakhstan take silence as agreement, in Germany silence means “no”. And this is very convenient: I have learned to speak and declare my desires, feelings, problems and needs as an adult, without guilt. To do this, you need to accept yourself and your peculiarities, then there are fewer problems in communication and no one guesses. In this way there is confidence and the manifestation of neurosis is reduced. My art speaks about my perception so clearly that there is no need to speculate, because for this purpose I always write a description of the painting. And, by the way, I am able to write such descriptions precisely because I worked in law. There you need to be able to put your thoughts in writing.
You mentioned that you returned to painting after a traumatic experience in 2021. How exactly has art therapy helped you in your healing process, and how has this experience shaped your current artistic style?
My first paintings were the result of my personal art therapy. At that time I didn’t know that creativity would help me at all.
After my sessions with the psychologist, I always had ideas for creative work, especially when it came to topics that related to me and my personal experience. To understand what was going on inside of me, you can just look at my paintings and descriptions of them. It was as if I was speaking with my heart and creating with my hands in a reflective manner. This therapy was like a cry of the heart and soul, blowing up patterns. I tried to show this in my paintings.
In 2021, you received international recognition at the Luxembourg Art Prize. Could you tell us about this experience and what this achievement meant to you?
I saw my application for the Luxembourg Art Prize as a lottery. And when I was recognized, I couldn’t believe it, but at the same time I felt on top of the world.
I couldn’t believe it was so easy and I was happy as a child. And I’m still overjoyed!
Your paintings reflect personal histories, transformations, philosophies and esotericism. How do you choose which aspects of your inner world to put on canvas, and how do you achieve such a deep emotional response from your viewers?
I catch inspiration and draw exactly with those emotions, which I then combine with the theme, shapes and colors. First, I choose what I think is the right music that energizes me, and then I start drawing. This is how I live my emotions; it works as an emotion regulation. And the dark color in my paintings is not about fear at all. It speaks of depth, wholeness and abyss, which of course some people might be afraid of. But that’s not my perception.
Everything in our world is dual, and everyone sees what they want to see and by virtue of their perception can see. So it may scare some people away, but people like me find it interesting.
Your profession as a counseling psychologist certainly gives you a unique insight into the human psyche. How does your knowledge of psychology influence your creativity and the process of creating works?
When I was studying to be a counseling psychologist, I attended various sections, and one day I was advised to always be clear about the worldview you want to broadcast. This should be done in such a way that cause-and-effect relationships are clear and understandable. This is what contributes to the formation of the inner core of a person, through which the boundaries and perceptions of the individual are manifested. And through my art, I talk about my perception of the themes I reveal in my art.
You have participated several times in the Pinakothek Luxembourg Art Prize museum exhibitions and received awards from Golden Time Talent in London. Which of these exhibitions or awards were the most significant for you and why?
Each of my first experiences, both in the Pinakothek Luxembourg Art Prize and Golden Time Talent, are very meaningful and important to me. To make a name for myself in the international community and in a field in which I am just starting out required a lot of courage and personal growth.
My first application for the Pinakothek Luxembourg Art Prize was like a lottery ticket. I thought: “I’ll take a risk! It’s worth a try.” And being recognized by the museum confirmed to me that I can be an artist and there is no risk involved. It was an incredible experience.
It took me two weeks to fill out my first Golden Time Talent application. I was scared to declare my creativity, especially when I saw the work of the other contestants. I admired and still admire them and their work. And then I was faced with comparing myself to others. This period of my life taught me not to compare myself, my achievements and merits with others. Each of us is beautiful and talented, and each of us is worthy of respect and recognition. And when I was awarded, I cried because this step into creativity cost me so much time and effort.
Since 2025, your work has been regularly exhibited by Artboxy around the world. How has this collaboration influenced your career and what do you expect from this global exhibition?
Here I would like to say that any contact with creative people, especially artists, in my life has been supported by an extremely friendly and positive experience. The collaboration with Artboxy has influenced the publicity of my work and the emergence of opportunities to meet artists and gallerists. From this exposure I wish to find favorable connections, as well as from Global Talent Confederation.
Given your experience of living in two cultures, how do you see the role of art in overcoming cultural barriers and do you think it can create bridges between people of different nationalities?
Yes, art can certainly create bridges between people, cultures and nations, but only under one crucial condition: when patriotism and bigotry are left aside. Without them, there will be no conflict, because art has no boundaries. It is freedom of thought and expression, coming straight from the heart and soul of the creator. As an artist and art therapist, this is how I see it.
Your journey is an example of significant personal transformation. What do you think is the most important lesson you have learned from this journey, and what advice would you give to those seeking their true path or calling?
Self-reflection and self-esteem are the rarest and least known resources, although everyone can benefit from them. In fact, each of us has our own special talent and outlook on life based on our personal experience, regardless of nationality.
Envy is always a bad thing because it undermines the aforementioned resources. And yes, I know there are some people who think that envy is a kind of motivation. But it isn’t. Motivation comes when you yourself know what you need for your personal happiness and start moving in that direction. A person is able to do this if his level of self-esteem and self-reflection is high enough for his own realization. These two qualities are powerful helpers.
What further creative plans are you making? Do you have any new topics, techniques or projects you would like to explore in the future?
There are plans – Global Talent Confederation will hear about them! There are techniques and projects I’d like to explore. But everything takes time, focus and energy. Slowly but surely I will get to everything I have in mind.
