Crystal James, Beautiful Bizarre Artist Directory member provides some fascinating insights into her practice and experience as a figurative painter, as she responds to the questions below:
- What type of art do you create and what motivates you to make it?
- What is your biggest point as an artist? [what is the 1 thing you wish you didn’t have to deal with as an artist]
- Tell us about an important life moment that influenced the direction of your work, and how.
- How has social media changed your practice?
What type of art do you create and what motivates you to make it?
I create large watercolor paintings. I feel that watercolor has been relegated to landscapes and elementary school, and I want to use it in a more modern way. I choose subjects that are in the moment, like YouTube and Graffiti. I also use the medium unconventionally combining Watercolor and Oil paint. I have my own way of underpainting in Watercolor and adding details and glazing in Oil. I either mount the paper to wood or stretch the paper over canvas bars.
What is your biggest pain point as an artist?
Framing. Framing in general, but especially under glass. Frames are not cheap and not everyone has the same taste. Not everyone likes an ornate gold frame. A lot of people want a modern black frame. But when you order a simple black frame, four sticks of black plastic glued together arrive and a cheap frame makes a painting look cheap. Not all framers are accurate with measurements, and that eighth an inch or quarter centimeter matters. Frames drive up the cost of shipping because of size, weight and fragility.
Tell us about an important life moment that influenced the direction of your work, and how.
I had a series of deaths in 2020/2022 and that brings up all the feelings and questions about speed of time. Those years also reinforced that I am an introvert and I should lean into that. Before I had a lot of guilt and FOMO about turning down plans or not attending events. Now I stay at home and paint, and when I feel guilty: I wondered if I died what I would regret more, not finishing painting or not seeing the newest Marvel movie?
How has social media changed your practice?
Yes, but not in the last few years. When I was starting, I participated in challenges, Inktober, and Draw this in your Style, but not so much anymore because Instagram is not as popular, or pushing posts as much. I would test ideas and what people gravitated toward. Also posting on instagram is easier than being social and trying to sell my ideas or get feedback about my work.
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