My Story

I’m a Mexican-American born in Chicago, and now based in Barcelona.

I was an artist at four years old. I know this because I found a story I had written and illustrated; on the front cover I wrote an “About Me” paragraph where I stated, “I started making books at the age of four! And now I am seven and I still make books.” I still remember the passionate and powerful expression that pushed its way out of me throughout childhood in the form of illustration and writing my own stories.

As I grew older I developed the practice of automatic drawing. I loved the intricate details that came from countless hours of letting my pencil flow. The images I created were undoubtedly surrealist. It wasn’t long before I became serious about my drawings, and had the desire to see them in color.

I began learning the beauty and delicacy of painting with oils in 2022.

I paint for illumination of the self. As I paint, I learn more about the hidden parts of myself, and the world around me. My highest work is to stay open to the messages life sends me, and then translate them with paint. It is with oil paints I feel I can depict the complexity of my chosen subjects in a surrealist style. I’ve found that my most thought-provoking work explores themes of the relationship between mother and child, the underestimated power of our ancestors, and learning to cultivate a relationship with the self. Each resulting artwork contains many details that initiate dialogue with the viewer, and continuously encourage deep reflection on the interconnectedness of life.

Great masters before me have contributed their genius to the world, and it is the sharing of their gifts that has been my greatest inspiration to continue the tradition of fine art—in my way, and with my passionate stories. Thank you for being on this journey with me.

-Crystal