Meet Krista Awad

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Awad.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Krista. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Visual artist with a bachelors in fine art degree from Grand Valley State University. Grew up in Flint, Michigan. My father is Palestinian, immigrated over when he was in his early 20s and my mother’s family immigrated from Germany. I reference this because my family’s roots are a heavy influence in my artist style. My work is contemporary abstract influenced by the surrealist movement. Started my professional art career after graduating in 2011 and moved to LA. I applied to be Jen Stark’s studio assistant and have been working alongside with her since 2014. Working under her gave me the direction I needed for my own art career. This past year was my first solo exhibit in LA at serendipity labs. My next showcase will be at their downtown LA location In November, depending on where we are with COVID-19. For now, I’m selling online via social media, my website and the Hollywood exhibit is still up but only by appointment.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Art school was a huge challenge for me. I got accepted because my own style was already established but once there, they needed me to excel technically by their standards. Discovering that being half blind hurt me in all aspects, color theory and depth perception. I had to work extra hard to catch up and make up for the difference. Till recently I was finally able to get an artificial lens implant, this is a new exciting journey in my work.

Los Angeles is not a cheap city. I’ve worked a serving job, William turner gallery assistant, Jane Seymour gallery assistant and Jen Stark studio assistant. All while trying to create my own body of work. I’ve maintained good relationships with all my side jobs, but have been working hard to rely on selling my own work.

We’d love to hear more about your art.
My visual art is mostly oil painting on canvas. I’ve expanded into small mix media works, enamel pins and soon prints. But for now, my original oil paintings are what is in high demand. The work is contemporary abstract with references to surrealism. My eye sight not being the best has hindered me but made me a harder worker, forcing me to develop my artistic style at a young age.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Currently, I’m working on a new body of work for my solo exhibit downtown LA at serendipity labs. I’ve recently undergone eye surgery which I’m already noticing is a huge change for the better for my work. This new body of work is heavily influenced from the recent events of Covid-19 and being quarantined in LA. Despite the hardships and challenges I have been able to stay afloat, so my last art sale was a benefit auction for BLM. I plan to continue involvement and donating where I can to the local la community and the national BLM cause. My work is rooted in the displacement of P.O.C. and the constant battle they face to exist in our society.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kristaawad.com
• Phone: 810-625-6475
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Kristaawad
• Facebook: Kristaawadart
• Twitter: Kristaawad
• Other: TikTok: KristaAwad

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