Meet Crystal Murley: Painter & Fused glass Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Murley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always been a very creative individual. I was drawing as soon as I was given chalk or crayons. I used to make random sculptures out of sticks and grass as a kid. I have always loved creating and bringing joy to others. If I can express myself through the images, brush strokes and color that I use and leave an impression on an individual then I have accomplished my purpose. I used to make homemade cards for friends birthdays, love letters and coupon books for my mom and family. Anything tactile that I could construct or create with, I was all in. I’m a natural gift giver. I love to make people happy and to feel loved and special. As I have grown older I realized that I am a healer of sorts. If I can create an object or painting that gives you joy when you look at it each and every day then I have done my job! Energy flows through me into my work. The love and passion that I put into my work stays present in the work even after it hangs in its new home. The seed of positivity is contagious and grows outward, expanding past the canvas and into the person’s life that connects with it every day. When I connect with a work of art, I make sure that I take it with me. I tell people the same thing. Don’t just buy something to buy it. Buy it because you feel a connection with it, a connection with the energy that surrounds it. If it makes you feel good then it’s supposed to be yours! 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a painters painter. My work is inspired from life, emotions, the science and psychology behind the veil of existence. My work has evolved throughout the years. I have always believed in experimenting and I am a huge problem solver. I use all mediums when painting, inclusive of printmaking techniques. I will focus on a specific technique until I feel that I have mastered it and then move on to the next. My paintings become an amalgamation of everything I have experimented with throughout the years. I have been working with fused glass for 3 years now. It has become an obsession of learning and creation. I am finally at the stage of combining sophisticated fused glass with painterly tendencies. Being an artist is not easy. It’s not just something you do, it is who I am. I sacrifice a lot doing what makes me happy. I am thankful to have a wife that is understanding of my passion. As an artist I spend hours alone, within myself, seeking my truth and displaying it for all to see and dissect. I love creating and the process behind each creation. I love the glimmer of light that happens when someone feels a connection with a piece of my work. The connection is what matters the most to me. If I have caused an emotive connection with a viewer, then I have accomplished my purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Museum of Fine Arts, Glassell, Diverse Works, Contemporary Arts Museum, The Menil, Hiking trails around the city, memorial park, Jung Center, Japanese Garden, Galveston. There are too many restaurants to list in Houston. You can find anything you desire, we are a melting pot of delicious food and amazingly diverse people!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have an extensive list of people that deserve to be a part of my shout-out. However, I will try to narrow it down as much as possible! My mom, Denise Murley, for always supporting my dream and being my biggest fan throughout school and my career. My wife, Lydia Meadows, for all of her support, comfort, and taking care of me without hesitation while I worked on my MFA. My High School Art teacher, Janna Macy for all of her words of wisdom that stuck with me throughout the years. I managed to reconnect with her and she was at my MFA graduation ceremony. Life is full circle! Finally, my MFA mentor Michael Collins who positively encouraged, uplifted, and supported my direction of growth throughout the MFA program at Houston Baptist University.

Website: www.CrystalMurleyArt.com
Instagram: CrystalMurleyArt
Facebook: Crystal Murley Art
Other: tiktok: @Crystalmurleyart