We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelsey Critchfield-De Ferrari. Check out our conversation below.
Kelsey, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Anytime I am feeling down or unmotivated, I sit in front of my easel and pick up a brush and paint. Usually the first 30 minutes are difficult or frustrating, but I’ve realized that is usually all of the time I need until I am fully locked-in and in my creative flow state. It’s the most magical feeling – where time doesn’t exist and it’s just me and my painting. I could paint for hours as long as I am not interrupted or need a break. I always feel refreshed and fulfilled whenever I get a good painting session in.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a professional fine artist and oil painter living in Salt Lake City. I mainly paint portraits and figures with a dark, moody aesthetic. I enjoy adding other elements into my paintings, such as florals, skulls, candles, and lace. I paint in a traditional and representational style. I really love getting into the details and creating an identical likeness of someone when painting their portrait.
I would consider the style of my art to be gothic and elegant macabre. Much of my artwork is inspired from my travels to Europe and studying the classical artworks of the Old Masters, as well as fashion, antique decor, and gothic architecture.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
After I graduated college, I moved to New York City by myself. I was raised in Utah County the majority of my life, but am so grateful I took the leap of faith to move to the Big City. I wanted to submerse myself in art and culture. I saw so many creatives who were pursuing their dreams, living an entrepreneur lifestyle, and making a living in a creative field. Seeing all of their success really inspired me. They showed me my dreams were possible.
It was refreshing to see so many different lifestyles and creative freelance careers. I think it is easy to get trapped where you have been raised the majority of your life and think there is only one “right” way to do things, when in reality there are endless ways to be happy and successful in life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think there have been many times in my career where I wanted to give up. I feel like it’s a common feeling when you are an entrepreneur and specifically a fine artist. Being in this field of work there are no guarantees. There have been a few times where a client has reached out to me and wanted a commission, then never followed through. It is discouraging to get your hopes up to create something special for someone, then they decide not to go through with it. However, I have found the people who really want a custom painting and are going to truly appreciate it are the ones who will commit.
Another example is entering art competitions and juried shows. Art is subjective and depending on the jury’s preference, your work may not be picked or accepted into a show. I never let the outcome keep me from trying again and again and staying true to what I love to paint. I think the ultimate failure is when you quit trying to do what you believe in and putting yourself out there.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe that some artists were born naturally talented and I would never get to their level. Now I believe it really comes down to hard work and practice. You can be naturally gifted to some degree, but if you don’t constantly try to push yourself or practice those skills, then you will never progress. It’s interesting to look back at my work from 5 to 10 years ago and think it was good back then, but compared to my work now there is quite a difference in my skill and craftsmanship.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I am finally doing what I was born to do – create beautiful art. I am doing it because I feel called to do it. I genuinely enjoy it and love seeing others who also appreciate it. I think for the longest time I was so used to being told what to do – go to school, get a degree, get a secure 9-5 job . . . I don’t regret any of those things, because I would not be where I am today without them. However, it took me some time and going through difficult situations to finally decide to go for it and pursue my art career full-time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kelseycritchfield.com
- Instagram: @kaycritch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelsey.critchfield
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kaycritch
- Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@kaycritch
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
