Check out Christy Stallop’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Stallop.

Christy, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. Even though I currently live in Austin, I will always think of myself as a West Texas girl. I’ve always been interested in all forms of creative expression. When I was growing up I took classes in ballet, piano and ceramics, along with art in school. Artistic subjects made more sense to me than most academic subjects. I realized early on that I received great joy from sharing my creations with my teachers and friends. The positive feedback encouraged me to learn as much as I could about all forms of art.

After getting my degree in art education from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, I taught at a small tier 1 charter school in East Austin for 11 years. During that time, I had two small children at home as well. I loved children’s books and read to my boys every night. I found the illustrations captivating and would often stare at them long after my boys had gone to bed. I decided to try my hand at children’s illustrations. I spent endless hours studying the pictures and pacing in the children’s books and I would practice by depicting the same characters from multiple angles.

I also tried to learn about the industry and served as the illustration chair for the local chapter of the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators for ten years. During that time, I illustrated several books and had a number of projects under development. As my boys hit their teenage years I had a difficult time juggling work, art, and family. Thus, I stepped back from the children’s book illustrations.

As an elementary school art teacher I still got a fair amount of painting in by working with the students on projects and painting murals on the walls, stairs, and floors. The encouragement I got from the students and staff was amazing. I didn’t realize it at the time, but that was my introduction to public art.

When my boys went off to college I decided to take a sabbatical from teaching in order to paint for a year. I finally had time to fully dedicate myself to artistic pursuits. The year was amazing. I met so many talented local artists and I felt embraced by Austin’s artistic community. By the end of my one year sabbatical, I made decision to paint on a full time basis.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am primarily a two dimensional artist. I use watercolor, India ink, acrylic, and oil. Recently though, I’ve been working exclusively in oil. Inspiration comes from personal connections and experiences. I paint subjects that I am familiar with or that resonate with my personality.

Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
Personally, I feel that art is a reflection of the times. It’s a snapshot of current values, concerns, and emotions. I believe in the power of memories, small moments in time that help define who we are. I try to recreate and preserve these moments through my art.

Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
I primarily show my work through social media and my personal website. In Austin, I was selected to paint an electrical box on South Congress through the Cap Metro public art project, and I am honored to have my piece “Luchador Flock” displayed on several billboards throughout the city as a selected artist for the Austin art boards competition. The original “Luchador Flock” along with another work titled “Graffiti Grackle” can be seen at The Peoples Gallery located in Austin’s City Hall. An upcoming sculpture titled “Ganador,” a 6 ft grackle made out of recycled tires, will be on display at the Manchaca Branch Public Library this August through October. The sculpture will then be relocated to Town Lake Metropolitan Park in November for EAST Austin studio tours.

I truly appreciate all of the community support that that my work has been receiving. One of the big changes in the art field over the past several years is that in addition to the traditional metrics of support that an artist receives such as juried exhibit selections, and sales of work, social media now plays a huge role in the field. People can really help an artist reach a bigger audience by sharing their work with others through social media. Every social media share or kind word of support helps me reach more people with my art and is greatly appreciated!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christystallop.com
• Phone: 512-589-8298
• Email: christy@christystallop.com
• Instagram: @cstallop
• Facebook: C. A. Stallop

Image Credit:
Christy Stallop

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