You've seen the great work of artist Crystal Overhuel here, when we featured here as one of our Photographers of the Month.  Now I'm so happy to share other aspects of her art - her paintings and assembled art! I first met Crystal at an art show at Su Casa, a fantastic Mexican restaurant near Lake Michigan.   She's our Michigan Art Editor here, and of course is very talented! We were lucky enough to sit down and chat with Crystal about art, creating art, and more. Here's what she had to say...

WE: Please tell us about your art...

CO: LOL! Jess, starting off with a tough question for me to answer! I am not really sure how to answer this question. My art is always evolving. Sometimes I get pulled into so many ideas all at once, it is CRAZY! And yes, sometimes my art IS crazy! I have always been an avid dumpster divin' diva, since I was 8 years old. My pals and I would ride our sting ray, banana seat bikes up to Western Michigan University when the students were leaving for the summer. I also have looked forward to curb side trash day since my sting ray bike riding days! At 50, I STILL mark my calendar for those 'most wonderful days of the year!' Most of my mixed media and assemblage creations have found or rescued items in them. I am also a huge fan of using text within my pieces. Most of the text I use is my own writings or my own poetry.

WE: How/when did you start becoming an artist?

CO: I totally remember 1st grade at Woodward Ele. in Kalamazoo, MI. I LOVED art period. Using one of my dads old button up shirts, wearing in backward. This was our artist smock! (And along the same line, bringing an old beach towel for 'rest period!'). I painted this picture of a girl with striped legs. Somehow, it became part of the permanent collection at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts!

WE: What do you draw inspiration from?

CO: Without sounding cliche, most of my inspiration comes from dreams (and sometimes nightmares) that I have had. I also get super inspired by my artist friends. The world, religion, Bob Dylan, and my moods.

WE: Where are your favorite places to create art?

CO: In my little studio/gallery in Plainwell. I was set up in the loft of our garage, but in the summer, it gets way too hot in there. In the winter, brrrrrrrr!

WE: What do you enjoy creating most?

CO: Sort of a tough one again, but I really am partial to my found objects / junk assemblages. I especially like creating them on pieces of old barn wood or old wooden boxes and such.

WE:  How can readers find and purchase your art?

CO: That would be AWESOME! LOL! My little studio is "Positively 4TH Street," located at 108 North Main Street in downtown Plainwell, MI. The number is 269-873-1957. I also have pieces in Su Casa Restaurant, located on Center Street in downtown South Haven, MI. Some of my bigger pieces are currently in Shared Hands Gallery also in downtown South Haven, MI.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

CO: Make ART Not War.

WE: Thanks so much, Crystal! I just love your art - happy to share it with our readers!

For more information, please see:
http://undergroundartinplainwell.webs.com/

All photos courtesy and copyright Crystal Overhuel