C J Collins grew up in Oklahoma, a descendant of Irish pioneer settlers who came in covered wagons to the rich farmlands. Untutored, she drew the subjects and natural elements of the dramatic Plains landscape until she began her study of art at the University of Texas in Austin. She moved to California in the late 60's and completed her fine arts degree at Santa Barbara Art Institute under the tutorship of James Jarvaise and Matsumi Kanemitsu. She toured Europe's great cities and museums in 1976, also visiting New York City for the first time. A chance meeting with Jack Tworkov, a visiting lecturer at UCSB, inspired her to move to New York City. The following year, in an old warehouse space in the Tribeca area of lower Manhattan, she established her studio where she lives and works.
