About the Artist
Crystal DeRosier is a Honolulu-based artist exploring the intersection of the body, nature, and emotional reality through surrealism and abstraction. With a background in painting, photography, sculpture, and metalsmithing, DeRosier uses the body as metaphor and integrates organic forms in her work. A Cal State Fullerton graduate, she previously designed for major brands at Disney before relocating to Hawai‘i, where she reconnected with her personal artistic practice following a career shift. Her recent residency at Chateau Orquevaux in France deepened her focus on transformation. DeRosier’s art has been featured in group shows and her handmade artisan jewelry collections, reflecting her ongoing exploration of time, emotion, and nature.
Artist Statement
My art explores the unseen forces shaping our realities through surrealism and abstraction. I delve into themes of transformation, time, and emotional landscapes, using the body, energy, and nature as metaphors. My process is intuitive, often feeling like I’m moving through the work, translating kinetic energy into imagery. This movement sometimes contrasts with moments of stillness, creating a rhythm of forms and colors that capture both energetic and contemplative aspects of emotion.
I use various materials and techniques to elicit specific feelings, from crumpled bags creating textured layers to highly oiled paints for glazes. This layering adds dimensionality, allowing the work to hold both physical depth and emotional essence. Ultimately, my art invites viewers to connect with the raw essence of being, offering a space for introspection and a shared human experience.
