Konversations with Krystal

A very common question I get is “how did you start drawing?” I realized I had artistic capabilities in middle school. The students were all asked to create a piece for the art show. My teacher gave us a few magazines to find a reference, and I found a picture of an owl in National Geographic. We worked on the pictures for two weeks. I would add detail after detail and suddenly the picture began to come alive. I stayed through lunch a few times to finish it. Finally after two weeks my little owl was completed. I showed the piece to my teacher and she loved it so much she kept it. This morning, I received a message containing that picture (its posted below). Every time I create something, I am surprised when it turns out so well. As an artist (for me), the details become the project and when you see the finished piece it’s a huge surprise. Your emotions become invested and they grow with each passing hour. Finally, you stand back to check/admire your own work, partially in disbel...

“I’m sorry.” She mumbles after every mistake. Every slip up of words, or an accidental small bump into someone’s arm. It isn’t a big deal, and she’s made it so. Her face looks disappointed, almost disgusted in what she has done. You cannot help but wonder “why?” “What’s going on with her?”  In my case, the “sorry syndrome” stems from a fear of not meeting the standard that many woman feel held too. The constant feeling of letting someone down sits permanently in the back of my mind. Growing up, I never felt that I was good enough for anything. Middle school and high school, I never seemed to fit in. I didn’t have many friends. I was always one of the boys. I liked football and skateboarding. I could care less about make up and nail polish. I wasn’t pretty, or skinny. I would watch other girls gang together laughing and gossiping. “Why didn’t they want to hang out with me?” “Why was I more interested in playing outside than dressing up?”   I remember the first...

I have three classes left, until my fall courses at the academy is completed (yes, I am enrolled in summer classes). This moment is surreal and I am prepared to give my final projects (of the two hardest classes I’ve ever taken in my life) 100%.  A few years ago, with the help of my incredible friends, I gained the courage to finally enroll in art schools. A lot of factors went into my decision, right down to if the school holds a physical graduation for online students. I am working extremely hard for this. I’ve spent late nights crammed in my make shift closet/studio grinding out projects, exams and quizzes. I have missed time with loved ones for finals, and I have miss events because of mid-terms. I have been on an emotional roller coaster journey filled with frustration, and pride. I have cried both happy and sad tears. My heart has been broken over B’s and overjoyed with A’s. I would do it all over again.    The past two years, I’ve accomplished so much. I r...