Meet Bianca Greene of Crystal and Wood in Mar Vista

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Greene.

Bianca, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am a multi-media Los Angeles based artist, originally from Santa Monica, California. I grew up with a deep curiosity around creativity and wanted to express it in every aspect of my life. Once I went to Lake Forest College I focused all of my studies on learning every avenue of studio art. Harnessing art installation and photography, while also making myself well versed in sculpture and video in order to explore multiple creative visions. After school, I worked for the Art Department on commercials, music videos and movies, as well as continued making my own projects. I explored many aspects of my work, but a feeling of disconnect started to emerge. I felt that the digital space I was creating in was becoming a void and all that mattered in order to excel was the “latest” technology I could buy. With this void, a deep desire sparked in me to return to working with my hands as I had in my installation, sculptural and photography work in college.

Inspired by this desire, I took the next couple years to travel, learning from different cultures. Through these journeys I began formulating an artistic philosophy steeped in an admiration to express unifying truths of the human experience. Returning to original drawings I had been making since I was a little girl, as well as tuning into my fascination of working with wood, my organic abstract line drawings and wood block work was born. With this new formulation combined with the inspiration of indigenous cultures, my work seeks to explore preexisting natural forms already found in wood. I excavate these patterns found in the natural wood as a way of drawing a cosmic map between ourselves and the world around us. I understood that in order to unfold the inner workings of nature I must connect to mother earth. Wood slabs alone force me to yield to their wondrous beauty and come to the understanding that even when untouched, they are art. I desire to fuse with this extraordinary beauty and therefore represent the human connection with nature, hopefully allowing others to feel that connection as well.

Recently, I have further evolved my work into installations encompassing wood and video. I bond wood and video in order to deconstruct all aspects of nature exposing its hidden internal truths. My own deconstructive processes inform these installations as I try to uncover truths about my human experience. My thoughts, feelings and locations are at the root of conception within each installation. Ultimately, I envision creating an experimental space where I can test versions of self-expression that are informed by the human experience in order to inspire individuals to look deeper within. I believe this is how I can contribute to sparking change in society. I would love to continue this journey, constantly examining the interconnections of life and nature to see what unfolds. Finally, returning back to Los Angeles, Crystal and Wood was born. Crystal and Wood is the culmination of all my struggles and adventures fused into one creation.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My suffering has shaped me. When it comes to art, I spent many years believing “who was I” to say I could be an artist or make anything for that matter. I had to shed my negativity to realize “who am I not” to make art! If I don’t pursue my own curiosity and overcome my negativity then I could never really see what I want to see in the world. Because If I was not able to do it, then who would? Being an artist, I believe, is seeing beyond the constructs laid out for you by society or by your own perception, and breaking through them. An artists is someone who shapes and forms new realities. This process is the work I always want to be doing and be a part of. It hasn’t always been a smooth road, and I am sure more bumps to come, but I know the bumps help me reveal even more creative potential in my life, so I am thankful and appreciative of the bumpy road.

Crystal and Wood – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Crystal and Wood specializes in making functional sacred wooden boards that are made to bring intention and healing into the home. I use wood as my medium to illustrate the universal human connection with nature. In these works, I fuse crystals with wood through an entirely new process that defies the impossible and unites two opposing elements. In each piece I am seeking to embody mind, soul and body to further represent connection.

MIND

I am most proud of the fact that I have had to create a unique technique to bring crystal and wood together. As both crystals and woods have opposing finishing processes, I had to develop a procedure to bring this craft to life where it is possible to inlay crystals into wood.

SOUL

By harnessing the energy of soul in each piece, the wood becomes the container that holds the energy of the crystal, and together they represent the energy of the earth. Connecting with the spirit energies of these natural resources, each piece has been uniquely blessed by a shaman. What sets Crystal and Wood a part from others is that I work with Shaman Emma Goldman of Collective Lotus Healings in order to instill energy and intention into each of the pieces through a ceremonial process.

BODY

Symbolizing the versatility of the body, each piece can have numerous functions based upon the user’s unique desires. They can be hung on the wall, placed on a bookshelf, used as alters or serving board for nourishing foods. Each piece is a design element to bring intention and meaning into your home.

What were you like growing up? Personality wise, interest wise, etc.
I was very open and loving. I was always the wild funny one, but learned overtime how to take care of my work and have discipline. This was because of the serious soccer life I had growing up, but also, because of the examples my sisters set for me by being amazing human beings and students. I went on to go play soccer in college, while also seeping myself in the exploration of my artistic visions.

I was, and still am, always seeking experiences. I want to feel what it’s like to truly live and to help others do the same. I built deep meaningful friendships and wanted everyone to be happy and free. I loved exploring and trying new things. I also realized when those adventures had deep meaning or were amazing causes and could affect true change, those were the experiences I wanted to be a part of.

Contact Info:

• Address: Los Angeles, CA
• Website: www.crystalandwood.com
• Email: crystalandwood@gmail.com

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