We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Crystal Benitez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Crystal below.

Alright, Crystal thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I am a Bronx native, and my upbringing instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance as essential ingredients for success. During my undergraduate years, I committed to both full-time work and full-time studies to contribute towards my tuition and living expenses. Initially pursuing a bio major with aspirations in the medical field, I took an art course for enjoyment, and to my surprise, my professors recognized my passion for the arts.

Embracing their encouragement, I made the bold decision to switch my major, a risk that has proven to be incredibly rewarding, and one that I have not regretted. Upon graduation, I found myself uncertain about my career path. Through diligent inquiry and exploration, I secured an unpaid internship at an art nonprofit. Although I understood the challenges of an unpaid position, I recognized the importance of gaining experience in the field and exploring potential career avenues.

This initial internship eventually led me to a position in the arts education department. Initially, I didn’t harbor much interest in this role, but as I immersed myself in the responsibilities, I gained profound insights into the impact of art education on communities. Taking a chance on a job that didn’t initially align with my preferences resulted in the discovery of a passion and a fulfilling career that I now cherish.

My journey underscores the idea that while risks may be intimidating, embracing the possibilities and remaining open to new opportunities can guide us toward the paths we are destined to tread. Follow your passion and be receptive to all the potential opportunities that come your way.

Crystal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a teaching artist and professor, my primary focus is on inspiring and supporting students in realizing their creative aspirations. Artwork serves as a medium of exploration and expression, offering both the creator and viewer unique and personal experiences. I am deeply passionate about the educational process, advocating for students to engage in experimentation, release the fear of imperfections, and embrace serendipitous discoveries along their artistic journey.

I believe in instilling a sense of innovation and adaptability in my students, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the creative process and savoring the discovery inherent in each piece they craft. My own art practices mirror this philosophy, as I approach them with a commitment to embracing the journey of experimentation and ingenuity.

In my fine art pursuits, I explore the intricate forms of communication shared between nature and humans. I find inspiration in how flowers mirror body language, moving with nature to express their needs, and how the sounds of nature can parallel the subtle nuances of whispered gossip. I integrate various fine art techniques, such as sculpture, automation, and programming, to craft kinetic and responsive artworks.

For me, art serves as the most effective means of communication, allowing artists to share their innermost thoughts and questions with the world. I see it as an invitation for both the creator and the audience to question and delve deeper into the realms of understanding.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being an artist or creative individual lies in the joy of crafting something special and sharing it with others. While I may be naturally reserved, my artwork provides me with a powerful means to delve into my innermost thoughts, pose questions, and envision a new world. I find great satisfaction in utilizing recycled materials to construct novel environments, creating a flora that transports us to another world and speaks to our interconnectedness and shared responsibility to nature.

In my role as a teaching artist, I have the privilege of taking this experience to another level by inspiring both the younger and older generations to bring forth their own unique visions. It is truly rewarding to witness the creative spark in others and contribute to the cultivation of individual expression and artistic exploration.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Understanding the artist’s journey can be challenging from an external perspective. As an art educator, I often find that non-art majors enroll in art classes assuming they’ll be an easy A. However, they quickly realize that this is far from the truth. Art classes typically extend for three hours, demanding an additional 6 to 9 hours, if not more, dedicated to homework. Choosing to pursue a career in art and study the subject is a commitment fueled by passion and genuine interest.

The process of skill-building requires considerable time and dedication, involving hours of hard work and personal sacrifices that may go unnoticed by those outside the art world. When an artist produces an amazing drawing in four hours, it’s a culmination of countless hours spent practicing and honing their craft. Artists embark on this path because they have a deep love for art—the process, the skills, the materials, and the rewarding journey of discovery that accompanies it.

It’s crucial to recognize that art is woven into every aspect of our daily lives, from the design of our possessions to the overall aesthetic of our surroundings. Everything can be appreciated as a form of artwork, and artists are driven by a genuine passion for the creative process and the beauty that comes with it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://benitezc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go4cris/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-benitez/

Image Credits
Crystal Benitez