Artist Interview: Christas Designs

Christa has been a good friend of mine for years and years. A few months ago, she basically erupted with these beautiful doggie portraits, and she's been busy as a bee ever since. Her heart is as equally beautiful as her art. Check out my interview with her below.

Where are you from and how did you get started doing art?

I am from the rural farmlands outside of State College, PA. I grew up in a little town called Bellefonte. It's a beautiful little town with amazing and inspiring historic architecture. Currently I live in Butler, PA a town about an hour north of Pittsburgh.

I grew up drawing. In fact one of my very first drawings at the age of three, was of a cat. My mom says I titled it "fat cat". It's funny: looking back on my childhood, my primary subject of choice was dogs, horses and cats (...and if I wasn't drawing a horse or a dog I was acting like one. Another story for another time.). So, it's kind of ironic that my subject matter has carried over into my adult life and now I get the privilege of painting others beloved animals. It's pretty great!

When did you first discover your creative talents?

My family says that I have always been an outside-of-the-box kind of thinker; even as a little girl. I would always find ways to creatively use normal objects in a different ways.

The latest light bulb moment occurred late this spring while laying in bed . My friend had suddenly lost a Great Dane and I was heartbroken for her. She was one of the very first people to help me and introduce me to Great Danes. So I knew I wanted to do something nice for her in remembrance of her sweet dog. I laid there thinking and it was truly a lighting strike moment. After a sleepless night of thinking thru the process I sat down the next day to execute painting for her. It turned out great and she and her family loved it. Since then it has spiraled out of control (in a good way). That one creative idea has lead to so many incredible opportunities and I am thankful.

What inspires you?

Life. Love. Loyalty. There is something so fascinating to me about the bond that we have with our animals. The unconditional love between human and animal is so pure and so real that it blows my mind.

What is your favorite thing about being an artist?

I love being able to share and express a piece of my heart and mind with others in a creative format. I also love creating art out of something that is old and unwanted. I like giving purpose to broken-down material, allowing it to serve as a canvas for a painting of someone's beloved, furry family member. It brings me great joy.

What is your dream project?

Honestly this might sound cheesy...but anytime I can help someone cherish or honor the life and love they have shared with one of God's creature is a dream project.

Professionally, what is your goal?

I want to work hard, have integrity and execute my art with excellence. Wherever that takes me is great-- I am along for the ride.

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

A client telling me that the commissioned piece of art I painted replaced the family photo on the wall. That made me smile!

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you.

I shared in a previous answer about my friend that lost a Great Dane. That is one of the reasons I have started this; to honor and remember our special friends. I have also been inspired by my own animals past and present. Almost four years ago my husband and I had to lay our first Great Dane, Amelia to rest. That was one of the most difficult things I have had to do. So, I want to help others through that pain and grief by creating a special piece of art that they can connect with on a soulful level.

Why do you do what you do?

I do this because it brings me joy and gives me another meaningful creative outlet.

Lastly, any advice for an artist just starting out?

Be inspired by the simple and pure things in life.

♥♥♥♥

Christa is such an inspiration to me.

I hope you got to know her a bit in this little interview!

Be sure to join her on facebook HERE.

Also, visit her etsy shop HERE, where you can get a hold of your own print or original! 
Christa also does custom dog portraits! If you are interested contact her at christasdesigns@yahoo.com or christasdesigns@gmail.com

Interview with Bryan Collins

I've been lovin the art of Bryan Collins since I discovered him back in January 2009. Amazingly, I got to see his work in person right off the bat at Art Whino in Maryland. Since then, I've collected five original paintings/drawings, several prints, and several other goodies from his Etsy Shop. I feel like I can really relate to his work as it shows joys and struggles, while connecting them with faith. So here we go; my first artist interview of the year. 

To Everything

Where are you from and how did you get started doing art?

Literally I am from St Petersburg, FL. That's where I was born, but my family left the area before I was one, and I spent the first seven years of my life growing up in Montery, CA. After that we moved to High Springs, FL and I lived in and around Gainesville for about sixteen years.

I didn't really get into art on purpose. I drew pictures like any other kid, but around the 5th or 6th grade I noticed I was getting positive attention toward the things I drew. Art was also more enjoyable than homework. My mom worked at my school so I had time to kill at the end of each day before she would take me home. One Wednesday after school a senior art mentor started tutoring another student in the school library. I started eavesdropping until the mentor invited me over. I was so fascinated by the things he taught me about drawing. I think it was during that experience of being taught a few technical skills that art catalyzed into my blood and soul.

Totem

When did you first discover your creative talents?

It has to have been playing Legos. I used to spend countless hours building with them. I also took apart my GIJoe figures to switch out their head, bodies, and arms. I liked changing things from the way they were intended to be. I suppose that is the root of creativity (or psychosis) - not accepting things as they are.

What inspires you?

In one word: God. He is the original artist. Everything that inspires me was created by Him. Whether it's animals, nature, space and sky, or my children, they are all created by the hand of God. I am intrigued and inspired by body language and emotional struggles as well, but those are both human situations and humans are also the handiwork of God so really any sources of inspiration are always going to spring from the Creator of all.

Her Dedication to Purpose

What is your favorite thing about being an artist?

I've heard many people say that a true artist has found freedom in his own mind. If this is the case I don't know any true artists. The thing I cherish most about making art is that my brushes and pencils act as keys to the cell my mind is in, but that does not mean my mind is ever free. I get a glimpse of understanding from time to time but just when I think I've resolved a struggle, I embrace another. Art isn't a solution to anything, but a treatment for it. At least I have this treatment to deal with my nightmares, my confusion about life, my loneliness, my depression, my stress, and so on.

To Those Who Wait

What is your dream project?

Oh, wow. I have so many! I would like to do a mural in a hospital. There is so much sadness and pain in hospitals and maybe I could paint something that would lift people up. I can't really think of anything I'd like to do more than that.

Professionally, what is your goal?

If I can keep making art full-time until I die, I'd say I reached my goal. To get there I have a great deal of mini-goals. One is to never stagnate. I see too many artists getting themselves locked into one thing or one repetitive image. I hope to keep changing and evolving. More specifically, I have begun working with bands to create tour posters. I am a musician aside from my visual art, so I really like the ability to bring art and music together. I am also working on illustrating some books.

Rebuked Retribution

What memorable responses have you had to your work?

There was a girl looking at my exhibit at The Gallery Underground in Fort Collins, CO and she started crying. She was looking at the painting called "When None Listen". She told me she couldn't even really explain why it was making her cry, but that it was pulling some kind of emotion out of her that evoked tears. I think I will always remember that.

When None Listen

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you.

I wish I could. I don't recall any tangible story of a direct correlation between a situation and how it translated to a painting or illustration. I tend to pull fragments from many different observations and experiences and then put them all together. Kind of like a chef using many ingredients to create a meal. There are times when I am just people-watching and someone will do something subtle that will make me want to go straight to my studio and draw. What comes out may have nothing to do with what I saw, but seeing it made me feel creative. It doesn't always make sense, but it works for me.

Hiding from Choices

Why do you do what you do?

I don't mean to sound dramatic but I make art because I have no other choice. In the past I have spent long periods of time without drawing. I have also spent long periods of time struggling with anger and depression and hid these problems by telling people I was just tired. It wasn't until just a few years ago that I put the things together and realized it was not the negative emotions that caused the lack of creativity, but the other way around. When I don't make art, I fall apart. I would love to sound self-righteous and say that I make art solely to benefit others, but that is just a wonderful side effect of my use of art to self-medicate.

Peace That Conquered the Beast

Lastly, any advice for an artist just starting out?

Think of an artist who you wish you could be like. Now, don't ever look at that person's work again. Okay, maybe that's a little extreme but the point is that you don't want to be like anyone else. Art must come from your soul. Your work should be a conversation with something personal to be said. Not the emulation of someone who you think is better than you, or who is sitting on the rung of success you hope to sit on. Make your art becuase it needs to be made, not becuase it needs to be sold or seen. If it gets sold or gets seen, thank God. If not, make it anyways.

Next, go ahead and start wearing the same clothes for days on end becuase if you plan to make art full time, you'll be doing that whether you want to or not. Don't try to get famous. Fame will dictate your creativity and your work will suffer or die. Live a clean life, don't watch too much TV, read some books, and pray. Even if you don't believe in God, try praying to Him anyway and ask Him to make your art better and to show you something amazing. I'm serious. Try it and see what happens.


For more Bryan Collins visit:
Website - http://www.bacstudio.com/
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/useeverycolor
Blog - http://www.useeverycolor.com/
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/bryancollinsart