Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Floyd.
Hi Crystal, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a visual artist and aspiring naturalist native to Northeast Florida, my journey into the world of art and nature began in my early years as an avid nature lover. Growing up surrounded by the diverse ecosystems of Northeast Florida, I developed a deep appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world. This passion became the driving force behind my artistic endeavors, leading me to explore themes of nature, storytelling, and adaptive reuse in my work. Art was always a part of my life; my mom was an artist and exposed me to various mediums, which taught me that artistic expression has no limitations at a young age. My pieces were featured at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens during the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida ArtVentures Anniversary Exhibition in early 2021 after exhibiting in their Concourse Gallery from September 2020 through February 2021. I participated in the annual invitational show at the Butterfield Garage Gallery in St. Augustine in October 2022 as a guest of batik artist Cindy Wilson. That show led to an opportunity for my first solo exhibition at the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, which will be opening in October of 2024.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Although I believe there is no point in complaining and the main objective is to keep going despite any challenges, I have encountered obstacles like any other artist. I am an introvert and struggle to help with self-promotion and marketing my work with the constantly changing landscape of social media and the internet, which can be intimidating and overwhelming. I am trying to educate myself on the best tools currently available, and there is a learning curve and a desire to maintain personal fulfillment and authenticity despite market demands. There are ample opportunities for artists, and I am mindful not to give into competitive feelings that may create resentment toward my practice or others; I think we need to be supportive of each other in our art communities and share our experiences, lifting each other along our journies. Balancing the multiple roles necessary as an artist, keeping track of my website, engaging on social media, and other vital tasks while maintaining personal relationships, eating healthy, and having regular sleep routines can be the biggest hurdle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I transform collected ephemera and manipulate materials to create naturalistic vignettes, drawing inspiration from the environment and scientific discoveries. My artistic practice involves using preserved insects, plants, taxonomic items, natural specimens, miniatures, and found objects to craft magical narratives encouraging observation and participation in daily interactions with our natural world. In addition to exhibiting my work and completing commissioned projects, I love engaging the community by teaching public and private terrarium construction, art assemblage, and gardening workshops at various museums, art venues, and gardens. I aim to foster a sense of connection and wonder in those who engage with my art, hoping that it sparks increased compassion, creative thinking, and a sense of responsibility towards our environment. I currently hold the position of Studio Director at CoRK Arts District, where my studio is based. CoRK is a dynamic warehouse facility in Riverside that offers galleries and workspaces to a community of over 60 artists. I am thrilled to offer my knowledge to other artists at various career stages. To date, one of my favorite projects was being commissioned to create an interactive wall installation that would also serve as a sound diffuser for Bear Machine’s newly built recording studio, with a total measurement of 17′ long x 5′ tall. Drawing inspiration from our shared aesthetic and the creativity of Foley sound effects artists of the past, I incorporated ample opportunities for the viewer to interact with the piece and entertain themselves during extended studio sessions, rewarding the curious with vintage reading materials, solitary games, and other easter eggs.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Jim Draper and Paul Ladnier, naturalists and fellow artists, have been great mentors to me and have always been on hand to give advice, talk through complex ideas, share inspiration, and have helped me avoid making mistakes along the way with their experience and insight. Shaun Thurston has been a fantastic partner and supporter who lifts me whenever I get discouraged. Many people deserve recognition: Karen Kurycki, Princess Simpson Rashid, Dustin Harewood, and many others, too numerous to name individually, but I am fortunate to be part of such an incredible arts community.
Pricing:
- Medium Letterpress Tray $800
Contact Info:
- Website: www.crystalfloyd.com
- Instagram: @crzzlmakesthings
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crystal.floyd.1806
Image Credits
Jesse Brantman, Amy Ploss Sampson
