Free Inspiration
The Artist Who Couldn’t Be Tamed
Artist Luis Jimenez died tragically in an accident in June of 2006. At the studio where I worked, Luis was the first artist I knew to pass away. Artists Fritz Scholder and Keith Haring had also worked
Dancing With Haters
Artists often confide to me that they’re afraid to put themselves “out there.” Afraid of what other people will think. Afraid of what other people might say. Afraid of haters. I get it. Both being an
How To Share Your Creative Gifts
I once dragged a film crew to the Scottsdale Arts Festival. The cameras followed me as I collected wisdom from exhibiting artists. I wanted to capture the artists’ stories, learn tricks of the trade, get their
Have You Ever Felt Lost?
It’s been nearly 20 years since I first spent time in France. Nearly 20 years since I met a beautifully talented artist from Hawaii named Maria Lee. Maria was teaching at a small art school for
Are You Giving Your Power Away?
I guess it won’t surprise you know that I’ve always believed in magic. I look for those small moments of synchronicity that let me know I’m not alone. I don’t know Who or What it is
How I Learned to Run
Her name was Ruffian. And she was the fastest girl alive. They said she couldn’t beat the boys but I didn’t believe them. Ruffian was a two-year-old thoroughbred racehorse who ran undefeated. In fact, no horse
The Gift a Gentle Giant Left Me
Mickey was born the moment that his father died. His dad was rushing to the hospital to greet his firstborn son when he was hit by a train and killed instantly. A few years later, Mickey’s
What Will Become of You?
I found myself at a crossroads when I was eighteen years old. I’d grown up in a family where science and mathematics made proper courses of study for university. But my behavior gave my family reason
Overcoming Overwhelm
I recently suffered a crisis. My relationships weren’t connecting, my creativity wasn’t flowing. I was overwhelmed and overwrought. It felt like the work was stagnant and it became a battle to get through all the stuff
What’s your Artist Dream?
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
Are You Playing In The Land Of No?
As she wiped away the tears, the artist told me her story. She’d applied for a project that was a perfect match for her work. She had all the right qualifications. She was certain that she’d
Every Artist Makes This Choice
Is your life’s journey a true expression of your self? Too many people just follow what’s right in front of them, without discernment. They choose what’s easy and available. They don’t realize that we can
Validation
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,
Is Your Art Making You Wealthy?
“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
Are You Ready to Become a Professional Artist?
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
Is The Working Artist Masterclass the Right Art Course for You? – An honest assessment
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
What Is An Artist?
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 Ghosts in Our Blood
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