Artist Spotlight: Cristell Vargas

Artist Spotlight

Jul 8

Every month, we highlight one of the amazing artists in our reuse community.

This month, ACR has the privilege of spotlighting Cristell Vargas, an Austin-based, first-generation Dominican American fiber artist. Reuse has been part of her artistic practice from a young age, and her work currently focuses on transforming inexpensive and discarded textiles into sculptural fiber art pieces inspired by organic forms, florals, texture, and material transformation. Reuse and material experimentation are central to her practice, and she’s passionate about creating work that gives overlooked materials a new sense of beauty and presence. Currently working as a studio assistant at Mosaic Workshop, she’s excited about the possibilities that stained glass and mosaic techniques can bring to her work and she wants to learn as many artistic mediums as possible.

Learn more about Cristell and how she incorporates reuse into her work in the following interview.

When did you learn fiber artistry and how did you start using recycled materials in your work?

I've been recycling, collecting and reusing color materials since I was a young girl hopping from shelter to shelter in the Bronx. Without even realizing it, all I knew was that these colorful plastic straws are too colorful to just throw away, why not make art with it? I was first introduced to using different types of natural fabrics when I started school in Massachusetts College of Art And Design in Boston. The fiber department raised me to become the fiber artist I am today.

Do you have other creative hobbies?

I have very recently gotten hired as a studio assistant at the Mosaic Workshop at 729 Airport Blvd. I've never imagined incorporating glass into my practice! I've gotten the Mosaic bug, everything in my home must be a glistening masterpiece. I can't wait to incorporate stained glass into my fiber work. My mind is swarming with inspiration, just entering the Mosaic Workshop fills you with inspiration. This little job has truly changed my life as an artist. My goal is to learn as many mediums as possible, my next skill will be tufting!

Which aspect of creating is your favorite?

Sharing ideas with my very talented little brother. Whether it's a video call or texts back and forth picking each other's brain, his input helps me broaden my horizons. Creating has always shaped and built my relationship with my family. Currently I'm working on a series about my love for my Dominican heritage. I'm excited to show my parents who if it weren't for them I wouldn't be able to follow my dreams of becoming an artist.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Mostly from nature. I have noticed a common theme with my work throughout the years, flowers are always present. My thesis in college was all about growth and blossoming into the confident artist I want to be. Whenever I learn a new skill, a flower must be made using that skill. Recently I made a few stained glass blooms, before that I made a giant Daffodil when exploring sculpture. I need my home to be filled with all sorts of flowers at all times.

What is your preferred way to engage with your audience?

Honestly in a gallery setting, I like to see the person's face and reaction to my work. My only examples so far of this setting have been a few ‘pancake and booze’ calls for artists. My dream is to have my work shown in galleries on a regular basis. A girl can dream.

How does reuse play a part in your creativity?

Whenever I have a new idea for a project, reuse is my very first option. It just feels wrong purchasing new materials when I can make do with what I already have.

Do you ever donate materials to ACR? If so, what compels you to donate?

Not yet! I've been in Austin for about a year and have been using all the materials I brought with me! Next time I do spring cleaning, I'm sure I'll have materials to donate.

Do you have a favorite ACR find? How did you use it?

About 5 yards of pink felt fabric! I made a giant cake costume out of it for Halloween last year.