A corner of the studio…
Crystal Hartman
I am a studio artist living in Urbana, Illinois with deep roots growing from Southwest Colorado.
Through drawing and sculpture techniques rooted in endurance, I share multi-media art pieces informed by movement practices and traditional womens work. I gather shapes, patterns, and common threads from the natural world to create experiences of embodiment and reflection. I am interested in harmonious living and the richly textured path to it.
In my jewelry work I carve primarily in sustainably-harvested beeswax and cast in reclaimed fine metals. I work with high-grade stones, heirloom gems, and alternative materials ranging from grasses to recycled television screens.
I studied color theory, painting technique, and human anatomy as apprentice to Stanton Englehart and Dr. Ronald Ritz. At the University of Colorado at Boulder, I studied sculpture and printmaking with Emily Bivens, Chris Lavery, Clint Cline, Zane Wilson and Sally Elliot. Recipient of an UROP research grant for Context and Connotations of Femininity, I traveled to Argentina where performance practice and interviews with large numbers of highly varied locals opened my eyes to generalizations, ideals, and the power of the stories we tell. This began a lifelong inquiry into perspective and relationships.
I draw with pencil and pigments, install sound and video, fiber pieces based on endurance and host community events. I believe that artwork is best when it is alive - living in the dark corners of our homes and living quietly and vibrantily within community.
Current Memberships
ACC . American Craft Council
CLCU . Craft League of Champaign Urbana
SNAG . Society of North American Goldsmiths
JEWELRY MAKING PROCESS
In the Lost Wax Tradition, I create elegant, strong, earthy stand-alone pieces and stackable stories. From beginning design to completion, each piece may take several weeks to months to finish, and is always tested for comfort and wearability as well as quality and character.
Harmonious living and conscious creation are my core values, I am committed to listening, learning, and growing.
I work with and donate to Wilderness Workshop, Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots, and The Prairie Rivers Network.
Custom Desing Inquiries? Please be in touch
Custom Designs begin at $500 and include personal consultation.
Materials
Wax
Reclaimed sterling silver, bronze, gold, and palladium
Heirloom metals and stones
Sourced Stones -natural, post consumer, dead stock, conflict free and/ or mined and cut here in the USA. Most of the turquoise that I work with is cut by my father and brother -John Hartman and Dillon Hartman- in Durango Colorado.