Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristi Frye.
Hi Cristi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I am a mixed media artist, focusing mostly on figurative sculpture. With no formal training in art or sculpting, I am basically just trying to figure things out as I go. This is a new adventure for this long-time stay-at-home mom, and I’m loving every minute of it. I enjoy the challenge of trying new things and continuously learning.
I began sculpting about 3 years ago at my kitchen table. I was making Christmas ornaments out of polymer clay with the intention of selling them. I was making a Santa that just somehow turned into an old woman that I now call Florence. She started it all.
Since that time, I have created over 50 pieces of artwork and started an art business – Cristi Frye Art. I have my own website where most of my work can be viewed and purchased. I am honored that several of my pieces have been accepted in art shows at galleries across the country and online. Although I really enjoy creating original artwork, I also accept commissions for portrait sculptures. Most of the portrait sculptures that I have done have been memorial pieces. I usually create the sculptures using reference photos that are provided by the client. The process of creating these pieces is very special to me. I try to recreate the likeness of the person based on the photos and the information that I have about the person.
My current works are mixed media sculptures. I am still using polymer clay, but I have added found objects and other sculpting mediums to create larger pieces. Some of the materials are really challenging to use, but I find it satisfying when I finally figure out how to make the piece come together. This life as a sculptor has really been an exciting adventure for me and I can’t wait to see where my art takes me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a brand new art career in my late forties during a pandemic has definitely had its challenges. I have no background in art or business, but I am doing both now. The biggest struggle has been getting exposure for my art. Even though I have had several pieces accepted into art exhibitions and shows, they just haven’t been seen by that many people. Many galleries are offering online exhibitions and virtual tours of their shows, which definitely helps reach a larger audience. I also use several social media platforms to put my art out into the public. But the bottom line is that art, especially sculpture, is really meant to be viewed in person. A photograph of a sculpture just doesn’t always work. So growing my audience has definitely been a slow process.
Because I have begun this new career so late in life, I sometimes get impatient and want everything to move at a faster pace. I often feel like I need to fast forward because I didn’t spend my life in my 20s and 30s building this career. And even now, my time is split between being a mother, creating art, and promoting Cristi Frye Art. My family always takes priority, so I have to constantly remind myself that there is no hurry. Things will happen in their own time. I just have to create art and keep developing my skills to the best of my ability. The rest will work itself out. I mean, it does sound a little crazy that I’m just starting a brand new career at this stage in my life. But I’ve been called worse things than crazy. Trying new things and exploring your talents doesn’t have to end at a certain age. And I’m not done yet.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
All of my work includes polymer clay. I specifically use this medium because it is easily accessible and doesn’t require expensive tools or equipment. I don’t have a studio, so I create all of my work in my kitchen. The challenge of using this medium is that I am limited to creating sculptures that are small. They have to fit into my standard size oven in order to cure. I have just recently focused on ways to use polymer clay to create larger works of art by incorporating other materials and found objects.
I am really proud of the direction that my art is going. I feel like I’m doing something unexpected with this medium. My art is unique. My art is about people. It is about expression and emotions. Not all of my art is serious. Humor plays a big role in my process, because I try not to take myself too seriously. That is probably why my sculptures don’t always focus on external beauty. My art is about the imperfections and commonalities that we all share as part of the human experience. I strive to capture a single moment, expression, or attitude that is both relatable and allows the viewer to invent their own narrative about the piece.
What makes you happy?
First and foremost, my family gives me the greatest joy in life. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Nothing brings a bigger smile to my face than seeing my kids shine. They are my masterpiece and my biggest contribution to this world. But I have also recently learned how sculpting can be a great outlet for me. Creating art is very therapeutic. Time, stress, and worries tend to disappear in that corner of my kitchen where sculptures are made.
Contact Info:
- Email: cristifrye@gmail.com
- Website: www.cristifryeart.com
- Instagram: @cristifryeart
- Facebook: Cristi Frye Art
- Other: TikTok: @cristifryeart
