Artist: Crystal M Gonzalez Callison
Titles, Mediums & Artist Statements:
Braided, Charcoal, In this cropped charcoal portrait, I depict my daughter in a traditional Mexican dress, her braid falling down her chest. Through this image, I reflect on my own struggles with the loss of a parent and my efforts to hold onto and pass down my heritage. The braid, to me, represents strength and the intertwining of the past, present, and future. As a Mexican American artist, I strive to honor and preserve these cultural elements, integrating them into the narrative of our family’s journey. This piece embodies my dedication to preserving our heritage and teaching my children about their roots, while navigating my own personal and cultural legacy.
Braided (Color), Mixed Media Charcoal & Acrylic, In this cropped mixed media portrait, using charcoal and acrylic, I depict my daughter in a traditional Mexican dress, her braid falling down her chest. Through this image, I reflect on my own struggles with the loss of a parent and my efforts to hold onto and pass down my heritage. The braid, to me, represents strength and the intertwining of the past, present, and future. As a Mexican American artist, I strive to honor and preserve these cultural elements, integrating them into the narrative of our family’s journey. This piece embodies my dedication to preserving our heritage and teaching my children about their roots, while navigating my own personal and cultural legacy.
To Have A Sister, Mixed Media Charcoal & Acrylic, This mixed media piece, using charcoal and acrylic, portrays my two daughters who are 9 years apart. As the oldest child and only daughter of Mexican immigrant parents, I often wonder what it would be like to have a sister. This artwork holds deep personal significance for me. It evokes memories of navigating challenges alone and longing for the support of a sister to ease those difficulties. At the same time, it brings me comfort knowing my daughters have each other to lean on. As I reflect on my experiences and the lessons I’ve learned, I hope that I have been and continue to be a source of support for younger cousins and other women in my community just as I yearned for support growing up.
Between Life and Death, Acrylic, In this acrylic painting, I depict three of my sons in traditional Mexican guayaberas (shirts), their faces partially painted with sugar skull designs for Día de los Muertos. This artwork captures the vibrant essence of the celebration and reflects my efforts to integrate cultural tradition into our family life. The sugar skull face paint symbolizes the connection between the living and the deceased, honoring the lives and memories of those who came before us. Following my father's passing, Día de los Muertos has taken on a deeply personal significance, serving as a meaningful way to honor his memory and keep his spirit alive within our family traditions. This piece is especially meaningful as it represents my family’s first Día de los Muertos experience. It captures a moment of cultural immersion and family bonding, celebrating the holiday and emphasizing the ongoing importance of honoring our ancestors and preserving our culture amidst loss.
Niña Catrina, Acrylic, In this acrylic portrait, I depict my daughter in full sugar skull face paint and wearing a vibrant Mexican floral crown, capturing the essence of Día de los Muertos. This celebration honors the connection between the living and the deceased, acknowledging death as a natural part of life. The sugar skull design symbolizes the beauty and complexity of life and our enduring bond with ancestors. Floral crowns, significant in Mexican culture, are worn during festivals and important ceremonies to celebrate heritage. As a Mexican American, I find it essential to introduce my children, who are half Mexican, to these traditions. I have a deep passion for painting portraits, especially of women and girls who look empowered. Through "Niña Catrina," I aim to portray my daughter as a strong and vibrant figure, embracing her heritage with confidence. This piece intertwines tradition and modernity, capturing a moment of cultural immersion while celebrating life, death, and the connections that link us to our ancestors. Through this piece, I aim to honor our past while nurturing a sense of identity and continuity for future generations.
Abuelo's Hat, Acrylic, In this acrylic portrait, "Abuelo’s Hat," I capture my son looking up while wearing his late grandfather’s cowboy hat. This piece reflects the emotional connections we sustain with those who are no longer here. During a recent summer trip to grandma's house, my son wore the hat frequently—playing video games, attending parties, and carrying a cherished piece of his grandfather’s memory with him. The hat, a symbol of their deep bond, acts as a physical object that connects him to his grandpa. This artwork celebrates how physical objects left behind by loved ones can bridge the gap between past and present, allowing us to feel their presence and keep their memory alive. “Abuelo's Hat” embodies the comfort and closeness that these mementos bring, preserving the cherished connections we hold dear.
I Scream For Ice Cream, Acrylic, In this acrylic painting, I capture a cherished moment of my husband and five of our children buying ice cream from a truck for the first time during a visit to Texas. This scene holds special significance for me, evoking fond memories of my father buying ice cream from a truck for my brothers and I during hot Texas summers. This painting not only celebrates a new family memory but also serves as a tribute to the traditions and moments that link past and present. The colorful depiction of my family under the Texas sun represents a blend of nostalgia and the creation of new traditions. Through this piece, I aim to honor the connections between generations, celebrating the sweet, shared experiences that bind us together and keep cherished memories alive. The ice cream truck becomes a bridge between my childhood and that of my children, highlighting the enduring bonds of family.
A Little Witch, Acrylic, This acrylic painting is a silhouette of my toddler wearing a witch hat and braids, standing in front of a brightly lit window. I am captivated by the simplicity of this moment. It evokes a sense of curiosity and wonder. I cherish these fleeting instances because they remind me of the magic and innocence of childhood, making me long for a return to those simpler, imaginative days. This painting reflects my fascination with the unspoken dreams and inner worlds of children, celebrating the profound beauty in their silent moments of reflection and exploration. As a mother and an artist, I am drawn to capturing these moments that embody the essence of childhood and the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.
Seeing Her, Seeing Myself, Acrylic, In this acrylic piece "Seeing Her, Seeing Myself," I explore the profound connection I feel when I look at my daughter. This painting captures a moment of stillness, where she sits quietly in her pink traditional Mexican dress, a reflection of the rich cultural heritage I am still learning about and hope to pass down to her. The teal background contrasts with the softness of her form, highlighting her delicate presence. As a first-generation Mexican American with Mexican immigrant parents, I carry the responsibility of preserving our heritage while raising a daughter who is both Mexican and Caucasian. In her, I see my own struggles, hopes, and dreams as a mother and a woman. The journey of guiding her, of teaching her who she is and where she comes from, shapes both of us. This piece is not just about her; it’s about the way she mirrors my experiences and the deep bond we share. When I see her, I see the future and the past intertwined, and I feel an overwhelming sense of love, duty, and connection. Through this painting, I aim to convey the emotional depth of motherhood, where every glance at my daughters reflects my own heart and soul, driven by my desire to teach them about our heritage.
Let Them Get Messy, Acrylic, This acrylic piece captures a fleeting moment of pure childhood joy—my 6-year-old son's first time hearing the music of an ice cream truck on a hot day during our visit to Texas. As he held the melting ice cream in his small hands, the inevitable sticky mess became a symbol of something far more significant. In "Let Them Get Messy," I wanted to convey more than just a boy enjoying ice cream. This painting reflects my desire for my children to create cherished memories, similar to the ones I hold from my visits to family in Mexico. It’s a reminder of the importance of letting children fully experience life’s joys, even if it means embracing a little mess. The melting ice cream represents these fleeting, chaotic moments—sweet and gone too soon. In these messy, joyful experiences, we find the essence of childhood, free from the need for perfection.
Artist Biography: Crystal M Gonzalez Callison is a Mexican American artist based in Utah, specializing in portrait paintings that explore cultural heritage, family, and personal identity. Her work, which spans oil, acrylic, and charcoal, reflects her journey through grief, the celebration of her biracial children, and a deep connection to her Mexican roots. As a mom, her experiences significantly influence her art, adding emotional depth and personal significance to each piece. Through her work, Crystal blends tradition with contemporary elements, honoring family bonds and cultural preservation while capturing the essence of her journey toward self-empowerment.
