Crystal Dombrosky is a professional painter who will be presenting at the EPCOT Festival of the Arts on Monday, January 22, 2018. Her presentation on abstract painting will take place at the Odyssey Festival Showplace at 11AM. She recently answered some questions for us about herself, her work and the festival.
WDW Hints: Tell us a bit about yourself and your background as a professional painter.
Crystal: Painting has always been a part of my life since the age of 3 when my father would bring oil paints out and have my brother and I paint on Saturday mornings. I always found solace and freedom from painting when I was growing up and being from the Bronx New York I was exposed to a lot of the Arts. At the age of thirteen I was accepted to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of the Performing Arts in Manhattan NY for Art. My tenure was cut short as my family relocated to upstate New York where I studied Nursing and Art as a double major. Following High School I began fulfilling commission work as a painter and in 1995 I moved to Orlando. I am regarded as a self taught painter as I worked a day job and kept teaching myself various methods of painting by studying on my own and self exploration. In 1995, I began various commission Artwork and projects in and around Central Florida. On a few of those occasions I was given the opportunity to work with the Disney Institute in Painting a seasonal wall mural for their Season’s Restaurant and worked on various art related environmentality projects to promote nature, diversity and the environment. So as a whole, my professional career as a painter began in 1995 but has been really flourishing since 2007 when I began private lessons mentoring and helping others develop a love for painting.
WDW Hints: How did you get involved with Disney and the Festival of the Arts?
Crystal: I learned last year that Festival of the Arts was slated to begin it’s inaugural event from a friend of mine and I reached out to the Disney event group and expressed my interest in being a part of the festival. I was directed to email another group and submitted my proposal with them to review and afterwards was notified of my acceptance a few months later. I am glad to say this is my second year returning and I am very excited to be here again.
WDW Hints: What can we expect to learn during your seminar on abstract painting?
Crystal: The process of abstract painting is very exciting to teach because it calls on the Artist to tap into their subconscious mind to create a work of Art that may not make sense to the literal mind. What you can expect in this painting workshop is to unleash your inhibitions and let your Art take on a new meaning by tapping into your subconscious mind in a way that is fun, educational and up lifting.
WDW Hints: What is your favorite Disney character?
Crystal: It’s hard for me to pick just one but if I did it would have to be Moana. Her character really speaks to my love of nature and fearlessly believing and going after your destiny and passion in life.
WDW Hints: What is your favorite Disney attraction?
Crystal: Soarin’ – I love the visual experience and the feeling of flight; it’s invigorating!
WDW Hints: What are you most looking forward to seeing or experiencing during the Festival of the Arts?
Crystal: The Art! I Love seeing all the Artwork! Getting to meet new Artists from around the world looking at their work and the interchange of encouragement and all the special Disney touches that make it so much fun!
WDW Hints: Is there anything else you’d like to add that I may have missed?
Crystal: I would love to share just what art means for me. Art is more than just a pretty painting you hang on a wall and glance at every now and then. True Art is experienced, felt and has a life all it’s own. For me a painting takes you on a journey of the senses where the literal mind melts away and the subconscious lives and plays.
Editor’s Note: A big thanks to Crystal Dombrosky for taking the time to answer our questions. And thanks to our contributor, Crissy, for producing another excellent interview!
Recent Comments