Meet Christy Ross | Artist & Art Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christy Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

Each time I get out into the community and publicly share/show/sell my art is a risk. Loading my four, 3 x 4 foot paintings into my Subaru, along with all of my giclee prints, cards, art stories and tote bags is a risk. First, I have the physical risk of damaging my paintings when they leave my studio. Once at a show in Shelter Island, the wind blew two of my giant paintings through a nail in an easel and they were damaged. Thanks to YouTube I was able to add a bit of canvas and some gesso and repaint over the holes to recreate seamless paintings. The second risk is going to a show and not selling anything. I put so much time into creating my art, writing my stories, assembling prints and cards and of course, loading my car up. I could show up and have no activity! Thankfully that has never been the case. But it’s definitely one of my fears that I don’t sell a dollar’s worth of art. Selling art is not like selling coffee or car insurance. It’s a product that people don’t know they need – yet! People who buy my art want to escape to an inspired place. People who buy my art love seeing the inspiration for why I created the art in my art stories. There is always that risk, every time I go out, that my art won’t sell. But it always does. I have faith that people will see what I see, share how I feel, escape to a place I want to escape to. I love connecting with people and I think that drive helps me overcome the river of risks that exist selling my own creations. Taking these risks have led to commissions, art consulting gigs, lots of sold prints, cards, tote bags and even magnets. Being out in public instead of just relying on my website or the two retail spots I’m in (Vinya and Clairemont Coffee) not only increases sales but allows me to truly connect with people who cherish imagination, adventure and beauty. The most fun part of taking the risk of being out in public is sharing the experiences with my students, some of whom want to be professional artists someday.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a bit lucky in that I had an art teacher from high school who encouraged me to get a teaching credential in art when I was graduating from UCLA. I got my teaching credential in Art education from CSULA and have the privilege of teaching kids, K-8 in art. I teach art at three schools: St. Didacus Parish School, Japanese Academy of San Diego and Pacific Coast Academy. Working at these three schools part-time gives me the flexibility to work on my growing art business. I’m not only in the business of selling art but also teaching it. I’m a vendor for Pacific Coast Academy where I set my own hours, rates and the number of students I teach. In addition to teaching I’ve been affording time working in the movie industry, colorizing movies. One of the projects I led was nominated for a technical Emmy(R)! Spending hours and hours designing color has definitely influenced my paintings. I love bright colors and expansive landscapes. I learned it’s good to take a fork in the road sometimes. Late last year after going to a summer concert, I dove into painting a portrait of San Diego jazz treasure Gilbert Castellanos. He loves the painting and it has recently been accepted into the San Diego County Fair. Three years in a row I was rejected. But my Gilbert Castellanos portrait was accepted as was Believe Pink, my pink lotus painting inspired by my sister. I’m all about taking risks but using your strengths. Never give up!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Clearly, I would take a friend to Clairemont Coffee. There’s a lot of good people watching there, cute dogs and a lovely variety of teas (my favorite). For a great site to paint (I just started painting outside) at, I would go to Santee Lakes. There are so many beautiful spots by the lakes reflecting a sunny sky and fresh air. Linda Vista Farmers market on Thursdays is always a fun spot. During the summer I show my art there. The community is diverse and the market offers fresh local produce, yummy food and often community performances. Torrey Pines State Park is another great spot for hiking. I’ve shot some great photos of the sunset there along the beach. A nice inspiration for my art.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The owners of Clairemont Coffee truly support our community, local artists and bringing people together. Their support and helped laid the foundation for my confidence in sharing art and my continued sales of my art. I would not have the confidence I have today having been in shows at the Pannikin in Encinitas, the Surfing Madonna Show in Poway, two shows at the Mission Hills/Hillcrest-Knox Banch Library, Red Bluff Art Gallery online. I’ve also shown my art in Little Italy at Bird Rock Coffee. I’ll be showing my plein-air (outdoor) collection of paintings there in August. They gave me my first show and my first retail location. I am forever grateful.

Website: www.christyross.art

Instagram: christyrossart

Image Credits
Mini Zhu Jen Svehaug Kristal Molina Daryon Welch