Kindred Artist of the Week: Crystal Worl

“I love storytelling! My work explores the relationships and bonds between Tlingit / Athabascan people, the land, and the animals.”

Introducing our Kindred Artist of the Week series! We are big fans of all the artists we work with and we are so excited to share their stories!

This week’s featured artist is Crystal Worl, talented artist, aerialist, and all around rad lady. You may know her from her incredible solo work, or as one half of the dream team behind Trickster Company.

Who are you?

I am Tlingit from Raven moiety, Sockeye Clan, from the Raven House.  I am Deg Hit’an Athabascan from Fairbanks Alaska. I was raised between Fairbanks and Juneau.

What do you do?

I now live in Juneau where I co-own Trickster Company with my brother Rico, an innovative indigenous graphic design and art gift shop. I am a designer and painter. I am currently studying classical form line design in a part time apprenticeship.

Who/what inspires you?

Clan stories and Raven stories from home. I love storytelling! My work explores the relationships and bonds between Tlingit / Athabascan people, the land, and the animals. I also draw inspiration from participating in subsistence and cultural practices such as singing, dancing, and listening to our language speakers & artist philosophers.

What’s your favorite moment in the process?

The beginning and the end. When I begin a painting, it is fast, fluid, and messy. I am splattering paint all over. After designing and refining, I apply the design. Once the design is transferred onto the paper it is a magic revealing. By the end all of the details are outlined with a silver pencil. I love that silver pencil! I sign almost all of my paintings with it. The entire process is my favorite.

What’s a trick of your trade, or a piece of advice for other artists in your medium?

Never stop reaching for quality and be professional no matter what! Put in the extra time it takes to make your work the best you can. Be on time. Be prepared. Make mistakes and realize they are an important part of your process and growth as an artist. Never stop learning.

What’s next?

This year I have many projects on the horizon, such as designing new outfits, illustrating a children’s book, designing for a play stage set & outfits, exhibiting my paintings, and continuing my part time apprenticeship focused on classical form line design.

Shop amazing indigenous art from Trickster Company here.