Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrystal Dawn
Hi Chrystal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Northern California. Stockton, to be exact. I moved to Utah four years ago after I completely started over in life. I’ve been able to find my footing here and in doing so have started my business and found a supportive local community. Wherever life ends up taking me, I will always be thankful for the safety and new start Utah has given me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I came here, I came with nothing but my cats, my frogs and my paintings in my car. I left the home I owned, my bank account, and all of my other worldly possessions and history. It was terrifying, but being brave is never easy. I did it and came out a fighter on the other side.
I’m not one to give up, so I worked multiple jobs while building my art business. In less than a year I was traveling for art shows, working with galleries and had a roof over my head. Anything is possible if you work hard enough, hold yourself accountable, don’t take excuses from yourself and just show up.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been a professional artist for several years, working with galleries, traveling for fine art fairs, teaching classes on painting and relief printing. I specialize in the whimsical, bringing wildlife and folklore to life with oil, acrylic, ink and metal. My goal is to remind the viewer that we are all connected to each other and nature, where our roots are.
My work is currently on view locally in Salt Lake City at Urban Arts Gallery and Dancing Crane, but I have sold around the world and have worked with galleries all over the country and have been published several times.
My favorite thing, though, is traveling for art markets and fairs. I’ve been able to connect with amazing artists, meet great people and experience communities I wouldn’t have had the chance to before. Being a traveling artist can be rough (all of us have had to sleep in our cars more times than we care to admit) but it is so incredibly worth it and I can’t imagine doing anything else.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I love connecting with other creatives, and I love to help them find their footing to get their career going. Knowing other artists is a great tool for brainstorming and learning new techniques, as well as important constructive criticism. There is room in the art world for all of us, and I love to see my friends be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chrystaldawnartist.wixsite.com/my-site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrystal.dawn.art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrystaldawnart
