Mixed media artist Chrissa Star presents a delightful portfolio filled with spontaneity and magic. Enjoy and learn more by visiting her website.
“Wing-ins Hit the Cave Hub” alcohol Ink and mixed media on Yupo paper, 8.5″ x 11″
I grew up in a suburb of Wisconsin and graduated with a BFA, with emphasis on Painting and Drawing, from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1992. After moving to Arizona for a couple of years, I settled in Seattle, Washington in 1998.
“Bubble Cloud Rain” alcohol ink and graphite, 8″ x 8″
I was an only child until I was 14 and my brother was born, with whom I’m very close. I’m married and a mom to two fur babies, our dog and cat, Monkey and Monster. I dig swimming, gardening, and wine tasting. When I’m not working in my studio, I have a side hustle working Events for the City of Seattle Park and Recreation.
“Paddlecade” alcohol ink on Yupo paper, 8″ x 8″
Many of the inspirations I found while I was in college are still with me today. Learning about Egon Schiele, Gustav Klimpt, Julia Margaret Cameron, Milton Avery, and Mark Rothko deeply influenced the direction of my artwork. I loved the teachings of technical aspects my work needed to have.
“Flutter Love” alcohol ink and mixed media on Yupo paper, 9″ x 12″
That doesn’t mean I liked college, though. I was more into going out clubbing and dancing and being creative with what I was wearing. The hardware store had cheap unexpected items that ended up in my paintings and on my clothes.
“Bubble Everything” alcohol ink on panel, 8″ x 8″
Music was also profoundly inspiring and at that time, it was making history. I would regularly walk around the city for hours while listening to alternative music, hip hop, rap, industrial, house, electronica, R&B, and classical. Music, and everything that went along with it, fueled my work hugely. It affirmed the thoughts and beliefs I had that were different from the norm. Poetry and writing helped me tie stray ends of my creative thinking together.
“When I’m Walking I Feel Protected” alcohol Ink on panel, 8″ x 8″
Techniques change around quite a bit for me. I love trying to think of things I haven’t ever seen before. When I’m in the studio, I really allow myself to follow spontaneity and appreciate the joy of trying something new, creatively.
“Wallflower” encaustic and mixed media on panel, 4″ x 4″
One of the reasons I enjoy working with new material is that it gives me the freedom to explore new techniques and methods while expanding my creative process in ways that I can relate to other mediums as well.
“Finding You on Jagged Rocks and Float” alcohol ink and mixed media on Yupo paper, 20″ x 26″
Once I latch onto a few pieces showing repetition, I build a series. Currently, I am working on Flutters, which is alcohol ink and oil on liquid art panels, with the additions of collage mixed media, like glitter, sequins, lace, feathers, moth and butterfly wings, snowflakes, and flowers.
“Rooted” alcohol ink on panel, 10″ x 10″
Moving forward, I’m excited to see what materials and mediums I work with next. I continue to be thankful for my studio, my colleagues, and this amazing journey that is art.
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