Today we’d like to introduce you to Caya Crum.
Hi Caya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My name is Caya Crum and I am an artist from Fort Worth Texas. For most of my life, I have used creative expression to create art that inspires, informs, and supports causes that are important to the world we share; causes such as women’s rights, equality for everyone, global warming, and access to education. I also aim to create work that reinforces who we are as Texans. I am inspired by cowboy culture and pop art from artists like Andy Warhol. In Fort Worth, there are many renowned museums that I like to visit to incorporate drawing techniques from paintings by old masters. To create my work, I use a variety of mediums from watercolors and acrylic to latex paint to film photography to collage, pen and ink, and charcoal. As of today, I have sold my work at many art shows, created several murals for nonprofits and businesses, and sold my artwork online.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
During Covid-19 I received several large mural commissions and was able to work on them alone — my dad would help me set up and break down scaffolding. This experience working with local businesses gave me the opportunity to create large artworks that could be seen by many people on a day-to-day basis. Through these artworks, I wanted to lift the spirits of people around me during a time when the world as a whole was going through a rough patch. My whimsical and colorful designs offered a distraction away from the harsh reality many were facing. It was a difficult time, but I believe I am a better artist because of Covid-19 as it created in me, the awareness that life can completely change in an instant and I do not want to waste any time
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The majority of my artwork is created with either acrylic or watercolor paint. I have completed several large-scale murals and one installation where I used latex paint. Once I have an idea of what I want to create it is very hard for me to stop working until the artwork is finished. This is why my favorite medium is acrylic paint- it dries so quickly and I am able to layer it. A lot of my artwork focuses on Texas and pop culture icons I admire. People such as David Bowie, The Beatles, and Shelley Duvall to name a few. I also like to make art that sheds light of influential female figures. An artwork I am proud of was one of the first artworks I sold prints of, my “Alphabet of Texas Women”, a digital piece I created which features portraits of women across Texas and throughout history who have changed not only the state but the world for the better.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I think it is important to take risks because risks help you grow. If you never take risks, you won’t be exposed to new ideas or opportunities that could change your life for the better. In my artistic career, I have taken the risk of putting my artwork in the public eye for people to purchase, critique, or admire. I have been so grateful for the many opportunities it has granted me such as being the featured artist at the 2022 Armadillo art bazaar, having my art exhibited in various art shows, and creating several murals and public art installations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cayacrum.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/heyitscaya?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
