Crystal J. Robinson

crystal j. handpainted silk (website)

Circa 2004

What made you start working in your craft? Was it a dream? Was it an accident? Was it payment on a bet?
I learned silk painting at Virginia Commonwealth University in a fabric design course. The technique is called French Serti. I fell in love with it then, and recently began painting on silk again; taking it a step further in my pillow designs by combining it with another ancient technique -- quilting.

Where do you work? What does your fantasy work space look like?
My studio is a really small one room space. For entertainment there is a television, stereo, and a record player. There is small table desk, a sewing machine + 2 shelving units full of containers with fabrics and craft supplies. I can imagine my dream studio as part of a shop/boutique selling my pieces. It would be really open and modern space with lots of worksurface and layout space. In addition to layout space and a sewing area, there would be a space for throwing and firing pottery.....my first craft love.

We all have vending horror stories but has anything really really GOOD ever happened to you?
Someone bought something. No, really, I really haven't had one GOOD thing happen specifically. Every show is always great in that it's an opportunity to display my work, I get to meet fellow crafters and make lots of contacts.

If you had to pick a superhero spokesman for crystal j. who would it be and why?
Who: Pootie Tang Why: Sa da tay!

Working on your craft can be a solitary and sometimes lonely venture. What keeps you company?
I watch (listen to) tv mostly. My husband stays up late with me sometimes. Both are motivational. Music is good too. Usually Nina Simone -- very inspirational.

We all have dreams of money – but what would you do if you had the TIME?
If I had the time I would be working in my garden/yard any time the weather permitted.

Crafting beverage of choice?
Limeade or Coca-Cola

What is the one craft tool you can not live without?
There are a lot of tools that I could not live without.....if I had to pick one.....my green Crayola watercolor paintbrush.