Adam Crist

When and why did you decide to pursue art as a career?
Throughout my high school years, I intended to go to college for an art degree with the goal of making a career out of art. I took many art classes during my first two years of college to further that goal but sadly, I gave up on art in my early twenties. I lost sight of my artistic pursuits and chose instead to work full time and ultimately stopped regularly creating art altogether.

What’s been your hardest challenge?
My biggest challenge has been overcoming the intense fear I felt about creating and sharing art. For many years I told myself “stories” about not being talented enough to create; or not being “good enough” compared to other artists. I had to work really hard to remove those mental blocks. Ultimately, I decided to reconnect with “little Adam,”,my inner child who was never afraid of making art. I decided to simply be curious and “play” and ignore the inner critic whose voice was louder than mine. I continue to be challenged by my inner critic, but now his voice is much quieter!

What successes or achievements are you most proud of?
First and foremost, I’m most proud of overcoming the fear that kept me from art for so many years. I forgot how fulfilling the creative process truly is and it fills me with joy to create art and to spend hours admiring and experimenting with the plants and other natural materials I use in my pieces. Secondly, I’m proud to have gained the courage to submit my artwork to juried exhibitions and to be accepted! Only three years ago, I thought I’d never be able to do that.  Finally, I am proud that I get to share my art and talk about my process with complete strangers at art festivals and other events. It means so much to me to meet new people and share my passion for cyanotypes and nature!

What’s your advice for anyone who wants to explore art or creativity, but can’t seem to find the time?
I am certainly busy with my full-time job and responsibilities at home, so I understand what it’s like to struggle finding time for art. However, not having time or being too busy was one of the stories I used to tell myself to avoid the fear and discomfort of creating. My advice to anyone who has the same belief is to really reflect on where that might be coming from inside. Some people may legitimately be too busy, but we always seem to find time to do things if they are really important to us. I would encourage someone to simply set an intention to find 15 minutes – even if you have to block off some time on your calendar, or set a reminder on your phone – to engage in some kind of creative activity. Try scribbling on a blank piece of paper or go outside and use your phone to snap photos of interesting flowers and leaves. Over time, you’ll develop a habit and eventually your 15 minutes will increase to an hour or more and you’ll realize you were able to find the time AND find your creative outlet!

What’s your advice when an artist is intimidated by a blank canvas?
I understand the feeling all too well. Something that works for me is to simply walk around my property and look at the wild things growing and ask myself what those plants would look like if I composed them onto a piece of coated cyanotype paper. I am inspired by the shapes of leaves and vines, so finding something to focus on that inspires you might give you the confidence to start filling your canvas!