Chrystal Bean graduated summa cum laude in May of 2024 with a Bachelor of Art in Studio Art (a concentration in sculpture) and a Minor in Art History from Vermont State University, Castleton. Chrystal works at the VTSU Castleton Bank Gallery as the Gallery Coordinator. She is also a Teaching Assistant at VTSU, Castleton in Intro to Sculpture for the Spring 2025 semester. She Interned at the Chaffee Art Center during the summer of 2024. She is now pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art at Vermont State University, Johnson.
Artists Statement
I have been compelled to create art for as long as I can remember. Throughout the years, I have experimented with various media, with a focus on drawing, painting, and additive sculpture. My passion for sculpture ignited one summer day when I was nine years old. Upon entering a foundry for the first time, I was captivated by the sight of life-sized maquettes, plaster molds, and sculptures crafted from wax, plaster, rubber, and iron. I left with a bag full of casting wax, a mind full of inspiration, and a heart full of dreams.
I create sculptural paintings and hollow-form sculptures, and I also produce photo-realistic drawings and paintings. I often look for ways to blur the lines between painting and sculpture. My work delves into scientific concepts, mental health, and the human experience. Through my artwork, I express moods and psychological states, conveying my ideas abstractly through form, texture, and color. Most of my creations are produced using mixed media, incorporating both conventional and unconventional art materials. I frequently utilize recyclable materials in my pieces and have integrated light into some of my sculptures, with plans to further explore this element in the future. When conceptualizing a piece, I consider which medium will best convey the idea I have. Each medium communicates something unique. Whether I work with fabric sculpting, building materials, canvas, or wire mesh and paint, it is essential for me as an artist to determine how the chosen medium gives voice to the concept behind the art.
Art by Chrystal Bean 