“But Crista,” the artist asked, “How can I make a living from my art?” “I wanna be wealthy! I wanna live on a beach! I wanna be dripping in jewels! And I want my art to pay for all of it!” Then I reply with something that artist Kiki Smith once told me: “Your art doesn’t exist to support […]
Is Your Art Making You Wealthy? Read More »
Have you come to a point on your path where you’re considering turning your passion for making into a career as a professional artist? But this is where many artists ask me, “How do I know if I’m ready to work as a professional artist?” I always believe that the answers lie in the questions.
Are You Ready to Become a Professional Artist? Read More »
Investing time and money into a course for artists is a great way to build your knowledge, expand your skill set, and develop confidence. And artist masterclasses, courses and programs are invaluable to artists at all stages of their careers. But how do you decide which artist course is right for you? You may already
Is The Working Artist Masterclass the Right Art Course for You? – An honest assessment Read More »
I went all the way to France to write my book. But that didn’t make it any easier. Chapter One. Page One. The bright white of the paper glared accusingly. How do I begin? At the café, the proprietor noticed the blank notebook and my heavy sighs. He asked what was I writing? I
What Is An Artist? Read More »
It was on September 13th, when she was just 13 years old, that Orelle was struck by a car as she crossed 13th Street. Unlucky number 13. Orelle spent the remainder of her short life in pain, finally finding peace when she took her last breath exactly 13 months later on October 13th, 1932. It
The Ghosts in Our Blood Read More »
I believe that the best artists are Artist Warriors. But instead of taking up arms, we take up brushes and cameras and clay. Artists are warriors of the spirit. Like any warrior, artists must be tested, must be prepared. You must prove your courage and your commitment. Haven’t you seen this is your own life?
Are You An Artist-Warrior? Read More »
It was the last day of the College Art Association conference in Washington DC and I was beat. I’d spent weeks preparing for it. And then 4 long days either in meetings or chasing more meetings. I’d attended sessions, made new contacts, and talked to dozens of artists about their practice. It was a fabulous
How Having Fun Can Save You *no, seriously Read More »
Jack was 90 years old and still the town rascal. I first met Jack when he came to my rescue in the pub. I had just moved to England, to Tunbridge Wells, a small town outside of London. Hearing my American accent, the Brits were having a go at me about the war. World
When did you first suspect you might be creative? Do you remember the delight you took in colors when you held your first crayons? Or the thrill of building sand castles on the beach? Maybe you had an art teacher who lit a spark inside of you? Or perhaps it happened when you saw your
When Did You First Suspect You Might Be Creative? Read More »
My friend Mark shined the light of his creativity on all he did. We met years ago in art history class, where we fell in love. Not with each other, mind you, but with Vincent Van Gogh’s painting The Starry Night. Mark wasn’t the kind of guy one usually meets in art history class but
The Artist Who Made Everything Better Read More »