Meet our Chroma Bio challenge winner <3 Chrissy Warhola <3
Chrissy allowed us to get a little personal. Check out our interview and learn more about the artist behind our new bio image.
Mixed media - original photos collage of plants edited in Photoshop. Instagram: @holawarhola
How did you land on your approach to your Bio Chroma submission?: A big part of day job requires constantly finding new ways to showcase the work of artists and designers. Unfortunately, this has often led to neglecting personal projects. The chroma challenge immediately interested me because I felt I could use it as a creative prompt and challenge myself to make something quickly with relatively low pressure (I never imagined my work would actually be selected!). Truthfully I've felt in a bit of a creative funk for some time, so to get started, I reflected on a previous project that I really enjoyed making--a wedding suite for one of my dearest friends. I knew I had lots of imagery to work with, as I had sourced, foraged, and photographed tons of plant life for the original concept. Working with the lush, floral subject matter was a welcomed escape from the dreary winter weather outside, and I was able to use the individual plant images as building blocks for my chroma design.
How long has Philly been home? Where would you most like to live?: I have been a full time resident of Philly for 15 years. Initially I moved here for school without intending to stay after graduation. But Philly is funny in that way, you don't realize how great it is until it sneaks up on you. When I travel, I often imagine what it would be like living in a new place. So far, I always end up feeling like there are plenty of great cities to visit, but nowhere else has compelled me to call it home. Although, somewhere warm and sunny sounds pretty nice at the moment!
Who in your life gives you the best advice & why? What sage advice would you give your 18 year old self?: Some of my closest friends now live many, many miles away. I can always count on them for good laughs and the best advice, which in my opinion always go hand-in-hand. I think sometimes distance creates stronger bonds because you have to prioritize staying in touch and that commitment is reflected in the friendship. Oh gosh, my 18 year old self? Probably the most important advice I could give would be to lighten up, pursue things that innately make you happy, and let go of the things you feel you must do simply because you're supposed to. There's no award for stubbornness.
We see that you have an affinity to green scenes—How many plants do you have at home? Do you have a favorite? : I have so many -- plants AND favorites! There are currently around 30 potted plants clamoring for sunlight in the windowsills of my home. Outdoors, I've completely lost count. Ferns are a steadfast favorite of mine. And as the summer approaches, I'll be looking forward to a variety of bee balm in my yard called Monarda Punctata. It's visually interesting, smells amazing, and keeps the bees happy!
Your friends are visiting from out of town, to which philly landmark/park or otherwise must you take them to see?: Good question. If these friends are visiting during Kensington's Kinetic Sculpture Derby, we'd definitely be there! One of my favorite Philly oddities, it offers such a fun snapshot of what makes Philly, Philly.
Do you have any pets? If yes, describe them in one sentence. : I do! My English Bulldog Pudge is lovingly referred to as "the most beautiful, handsomest bulldog in the world." @sir_pudge_muffin
What was the last gift you gave someone and why’d you give it to them?: A mama self care gift for a family member who -- without the support of family nearby -- just welcomed her first babe into this world, in a pandemic no less!
Oopsie! What’s the last mistake you learned from?: Don't haphazardly click around a website while a live art auction is taking place...
What’s the one quarantine cancellation you missed the most last year?: Macro: I had some pretty great trips planned with some pretty great people. Micro: I hadn't realized how much I cherish sharing chips and salsa at my local taco joint.
Describe the last time you felt completely relaxed? Where were you and what were you doing? : A few years ago, the first time I visited Austin. It was just a good, laid back trip, spent enjoying nature, lots of BBQ, and music with the most hospitable friends.
Do you have a favorite ritual?: The one thing I never skip is having a cup of tea twice a day. It's a nice bookend to my days and somehow always makes me feel better.
What is your favorite piece of jewelry? Describe its origins.: More than one particular piece, my favorite thing about my jewelry collection is that it is almost entirely made in Philly. I'm a sucker for craft fairs, from Crafty Balboa, Clover Market, Art Star, and everything in between, and I've really appreciated the opportunity to meet the makers of the pieces I own. Some of my tried and true items are earrings from Curious Clay and Keta Metals, a necklace from Old Blood, and the snake charmer bracelet I made during a F+F workshop (that was such a fun day)!
What are people most surprised by about you?: It always makes me a bit uncomfortable to talk about, and usually art history buffs are the only people that ask, but I'm a distant relative of Andy Warhol.
