Christine Trueman

CHRISTINE Trueman, 42, from Boardmills is a visual artist who has returned to her passion of painting after nearly 20 years concentrating on the family business and bringing up her three boys. Christine has been both surprised and thrilled by the response to her work.

What do you like doing on your day off?
I'm not quite sure what actually constitutes a day off anymore. Painting, drawing and photography used to be my hobby, something I would do for pleasure when I had some free time. Now painting has become my "job" it has kind of muddied the distinction between work and pleasure.

If you were to choose your favourite meal what would it be, where and why?
I like to try new restaurants or ones that change the menu regularly which is why I love the Ivory in Victoria Square. But if I had to choose my absolute favourite dish and location it would be in the south of France, Zanzibar restaurant, risotto Saint-Jacques au champagne, a cool glass of rose (or two), surrounded by family.

What has been your proudest moment?
I know its cliched but my proudest moments have all involved my children, they astound me constantly.

How would you describe your taste in clothes?
Unfortunately my risk taking and lack of fear has probably been most prevalent in my dress sense over the years.
Having never been one to like blending in I think that my wardrobe, like my art, could be described as 'subtly loud'.

What would you do if you won a million pounds?
Ideally I'd splurge out on shameless luxuries and surround myself with beautiful art. Realistically I'd probably pay bills and help friends and family do the same. If I had any left I've always fancied one of those beautiful purpose built garden studios flooded with natural light.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
I once worked as a cosmetic consultant in a busy department store and thought I was very glam in my smart new uniform of a designer blazer and long floaty wrap round skirt, until I realised as I was going up the escalator one day that my skirt was floating down it in the opposite direction.

What is your greatest remaining ambition?
I have yet to have a solo exhibition, but I would love to someday go it alone.

If you could spend a day with a celebrity whom would you choose?
I would settle for a whole day with my hubby with no work distractions and no kids to taxi. In fact I'm going put that on my to-do list.

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?
I-phone, charger and endless power supply.

Favourite things

Car: Most vintage Mercedes
Film: Breakfast at Tiffany's
CD: 'Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited'
Book: Paddy Clarke 'Ha ha ha' by Roddy Doyle
Actor: Morgan Freeman
Actress: Elizabeth Taylor
Drink: The Merchant Hotel's Gin-fizz

Ulster Star
05/08/2011