Artists are dreamers. Often we operate in two different worlds: the vibrant, colorful, mystical world inside of our heads and…well… the real world. The real world isn’t as fun. Bills demand to be paid. Responsibilities need to be met. And people? Well, people aren’t always as supportive as we’d like them to be. How often […]
What’s your Artist Dream? Read More »
One of the first questions I ask aspiring artists is, “What is it that you want?” Invariably the answer has to do with wealth and fame. Heroes named include Damian Hirst and Andy Warhol. And then I sigh, collect myself, and try to explain that when your focus is on wealth and fame you are getting your validation
“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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
I hang my head in shame to admit that I’ve been busy with more important things than my own creativity. And this is what I teach other artists not to do! Here’s the story: You may not know this but Companion and I have been collaborating on a musical. That’s right, as in play. He’s
No time for creativity? Eat more cake! Read More »