By Jessica Johnson
I met with her in her airy, artistic, Aptos home and enjoyed learning more about how, as a mother of four, she has been able to develop a commitment to her creative life as well as a routine that meets the needs of her family.
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How long have you lived in Santa Cruz County?
I was born in Santa Cruz, raised in Aptos and Soquel.
How has living here influenced your creativity?
My artwork is influenced directly by living here…I mostly do whimsical ocean themed art, either sea creatures or the ocean itself. I’ve got a lot of pride about growing up here and being what I term a “native” of Santa Cruz. There’s a difference between being a native and being a local and I have a lot of pride in that.
Why is creativity important to you?
Are there other creatives in your family?
My maternal grandmother was into china painting [the painting of intricate scenes on china plates or cups and saucers]. On weekends I would go to her house and I would sit and paint with her. It was a very supportive environment, and she would let me, as a young child, paint with paint and she was comfortable with me making a mess.
Do you have any creative idols?
Yes. Jean-Michel Basquiat. I am just fascinated with him, completely fascinated. He is so free. You have to look and read his work, it says something. And it says something different to everyone. I like how you have to find that treasure in his paintings. At first glance you’ll see just color – that’s the first thing that grabs you. His use of color is stunning. I dig him.
When did you first discover/call yourself an artist?
Just recently … I referred to myself as a painter for a long time. I am kind of shy, so I have to put on this persona and I’ve recently discovered that the “artist” persona fits. I am comfortable in it.
Do you have a daily routine?
I do. I wake up at 5 and I have coffee with my oldest and watch the news and get everybody off to school. I start laundry and [the dog] Lenny and I go on a walk. I have walked the same 3 miles for over 20 years. I have walked 4 dogs in that amount of time, Lenny is my 5th dog. I meditate on things and things catch my eye. I know I am going to go home and fold laundry and start working. I work, most days, about 4-6 hours a day. I stand when I work, I don’t like to sit.
Do you have a muse?
Yeah, Santa Cruz!
What never fails to inspire you?
The ocean.
Do you have dry spells? What do you do when you have them?
I do have dry spells. If I have a dry spell I go exercise and that always clears my mind. It could be a dry spell for a month – I get in shape! There is something about physical exercise and getting past that block.
What is the biggest myth about creativity?
It could be that people are “born with the instinct to create,” but I think it’s something you need to discover in yourself…everybody’s spectacular at one thing, and until you find out what that is, if you’re not looking you’re not going to find it. Try everything. There’s something!
How you do define living a creative life?
Expressing myself through art gives me a sense of well-being.
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Cristina Sayers’ abstract art is on display at the art at the r. blitzer gallery through February 27. She occasionally offers classes at Art Supplies, Ink in Aptos, and you can reach her through her website at www.cristinasayers.com.
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Raised in Aptos, Jessica Johnson is a poet, author and blogger dedicated to helping others live brave, creative lives. Read more about her creative journey at www.vinegarandvanilla.com. Email your questions, comments and creative suggestions to her at jessica@vinegarandvanilla.com