Artist Biography
At an early age, Crissy’s aunt taught her how to paint with acrylics and her creative passion grew from there. Once she reached her teenage years, Crissy started to apply her artistic eye in digital media. At that point, she realized her potential in the field and began the Digital Multimedia Design program at Penn State University. In December 2021, she graduated with a BA in Multimedia Design and a Certificate in Digital Arts.
Crissy's designs come from a place of colorful curiosity. She has a passion for exploring, and wants to help others learn new things. Crissy's wonder-filled perspective will draw you in.
Wildlife Photography Statement
The purpose behind my wildlife photography is to inspire wonder and reverence towards the world we live in. What are the chances that we are all alive at this exact moment in time? We need to take this opportunity to care for the earth we’ve been given and protect the wildlife we co-exist with.
My documentary photography speaks to a personal style full of color, curiosity, and honesty. These photos are hardly edited, except for the intentional series-end collages I’ve made. Working on the close ups in this series allowed me to focus on the animals and not worry so much about the background. Thus, my preferred method of shooting was done with a low f-stop. I wanted the animals to be the stars of the show, not the environment. In the series, I also discuss the effect of anthropomorphism, and how pop-culture reinforces this trait. For those unfamiliar, anthropomorphism is giving “human characteristics to animals, inanimate objects or natural phenomena” (Nauert). I think this series takes the false expectations off of the animals, while still keeping humans accountable to protect the other creatures with whom we share a planet.
As an artist, I consider myself an explorer. I have a passion for learning, and I am motivated to help others learn as well. I have noticed my work embodies educational values within itself. I want people to see my photos and leave with information, but also more questions. I think part of my emphasis on education comes from my personal experience in school. I had such a passion for art in elementary school, but I never really received positive feedback on any of my work. I remember feeling disappointed when none of my pieces were ever selected for the school art fairs. It gave me this belief that I was not artistic or creatively talented. But after putting down my paintbrush, I went through years of feeling lost. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up, and managing my emotions became more difficult. I did not realize it at the time, but art was my therapy. Without it, there were things left unsaid.
Years later, I chose a college major I wasn’t passionate about, but only chose because I was told healthcare was what I should do. And I remember going through a really difficult time personally. I thought, I just need to paint this. If no one else cares but me, I need to get this out. As I painted, I had a revelation. This is what I was supposed to do. This is what I was made to do. I switched majors soon after and never looked back.
Works Cited
Nauert, R. (2018, March). Why Do We Anthropomorphize? Psych Central; Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/03/01/why-do-we-anthropomorphize#1