On the Next Level: Christy De Witt

On the Next Level is a series of interviews that features artists of the Art Nxt Level academy. The artists share their stories of how the academy has impacted their careers as well as share the exciting projects they have been working on. These artists have made the most of their experience and have taken their careers to the next level. In this interview Christy de Witt shares about her challenges and victories as well as what’s to come in the world of Witty Art.

At the end of 2021 your work was published in "100 Artists, 100 Poets on Katendrecht" by Art Collective Werklicht. Congratulations on this publication! What was your initial reaction of work being accepted and then finally seeing your work in this book? 

Christy: I was thrilled! Firstly, because the original concept was already awesome enough: a window art exhibition during the summer, this enabled many people to see and enjoy all the art and poetry in a coronaproof and safe manner. But then the organizers announced that there would be a book as well! That was completely unexpected and they did a tremendous job pulling it off. Having your work published is one thing to be extremely happy with, but in this case, it was extra special, because it is no less than an ode to the arts— in a time when the arts are facing many challenges. 

In summer 2021 you participated in a larger project where artists fill up sketchbooks that are then shown by the Brooklyn Art Library. How was this process? How much time do you think you spent each day sketching and how did you stay motivated to fill up an entire book? 

Christy: Well, I started out to have something to work on, as I was right in the middle of moving my old studio to a new (temporary) place. But soon, it became so much more - it became a huge personal and artistic experiment in what I call non-linear storytelling, to have this book telling a story in a non chronological way. To experiment on the very edge of illustrative and autonomous art, a place I’ve always felt happy to explore in my work. But the format of a ‘’book’’ made it even more challenging! So once I got started, that became my sole motivation. To see whether I could do it. If you look at my recent mixed media and collage works, like my series ‘’The Wait | The Race’’, a personal and artistic reflection on life during pandemic times—well, I don’t think those would have ever seen the light without having done this skechbookproject. And yes, I got some more bookprojects lined up, but that’s for another time to talk about! 

2021 was an exciting year for your art career. What does 2022 have in store for Witty Art? 

Christy: Well, 2021 was just as exciting as it was challenging, what a ride it was! As for 2022, I am looking forward to expanding my horizons even more, both artistically and businesswise - and internationally! There’s, for instance, some exciting stuff waiting to happen with the International Online Art Collective, of which I am a member, one of 15 to be precise.

When did you discover the Art Nxt Level Academy and how has it been able to give an edge to your art career? 

Christy: Somewhere in 2018, I discovered Breakfast With Sergio, joined one or two of Sergio’s webinar and signed up for the Art Nxt Level Membership - and I absolutely LOVE it. What I love about it in particular, is how Sergio and Dr Yanina have managed to build a wonderfully supportive community and the wealth of information that is being shared within that community, not only by both Sergio and Dr Yanina, but also by other artists. It’s given me focus, food for thought and a whole lot of challenges but also the resources, and I mean both mentally as well as knowledge and facts, suggestions, tips, etc, to overcome those challenges. I’ve definitely expanded my international reach by joing the Art Nxt Level and that has been a great thing for both my art and my art career. 

What about the way you approach your art career has changed since joining the academy? 

Christy: Well, I always felt a bit of loner in terms of being an entrepreneurial artist. Being labeled ‘’too commercial’’ as if you are selling yourself short artistically if you make an effort to actually sell your work! The Art Nxt Level academy and group acknowledge that there is both artistic growth and business growth and the two can happily go together. Sure, my art business has had it’s challenges over the last two years, so there has been a couple of setbacks - but that goes for many other small businesses. Right now, facing 2022, I’ve set goals and made a plan for both my art as well as my art practice. Knowing all too well Life will throw a bunch of curveballs my way, but I do feel I’m better prepared and equipped to either ditch them - or catch them!

Do you have any additional thoughts or comments you would like to share concerning your various projects or Art Nxt Level? 

Christy: I’m just hoping that people will join me in my art & art business journey by following me on social media and that, once I do launch my new website, they will follow me there as well! I mean, there’s a couple of sketchbookprojects and some VERY cool and exciting Witty Art projects coming to the world in 2022 .. and perhaps, who knows, even in a gallery near you ;-) I’m working hard to make that happen!

Art Nxt Level is made up of artists from all over the world. Where are you located? 

Christy: Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

To keep up with Christy and her Witty Art, follow the links below!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mizzwitty/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/artbychristydewitt

Website: www.artbychristydewitt.nl