Conversations with Chelsey Christy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsey Christy.

Hi Chelsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Well, I grew up in Colorado Springs in a very outdoorsy family. We hiked, camped and fished all the time, so I had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. I always say I was raised by Pikes Peak. Always outside as a kid, I’d catch grasshoppers and other bugs, put them in a jar and take them inside to draw them. I am also a born creative.

When I was a young adult I met my husband, Jonathan, who was also an artist (musician) and he encouraged me to really refine my skills. We lived our lives as an art couple who still, spent a ton of time camping, snowboarding and golfing. Still playing outside.

Years later Jonathan finally convinced me to try fly fishing. I’ll admit, I refused to go for years, I thought fishing was boring and didn’t have an interest. He took me to the South Platte and taught me the basics. I wasn’t very good, but being on the river was an incredible experience. That first 5 inch rainbow trout I caught changed everything. I was hooked! Pun intended! That summer we fished every chance we got. I guesstimate we fished 200 days that year. We turned into a fly fishing couple.

We were offered an opportunity to guide with our local shop and decided to take a chance. I didn’t know how much I would enjoy spending my days on the water with strangers. But I fell in love with it. To have the chance to share what I love with others, make life long friends and be in the forest, for work, I truly feel fortunate.

As an added bonus, spending so many days on the river gave me endless opportunity to sight wildlife. Which is what really fuels my artistic side. Being a visual artist, I feel like I can see everything, every little detail. It really makes me appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Even down to the veins on a leaf. The wilderness always has something to show you.

These two major parts of me blended so well. I really started to nerd out on the wilderness. I started birding, researching facts on all the local wildlife and then learning all about their anatomy, fur patterns and exterior for my paintings. In turn, when I am guiding, I point out everything around us. Showing my guests on the river, not only the trout, but the experience of the Colorado mountains as a whole.

So now my summers are filled with fishing and adventure. And my winters are art…and adventure.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, it has been a relatively smooth road. The fly fishing world is one big family of fish nerds, and is a very supportive community.

One thing that was tough in the beginning was finding the balance between guiding and painting. Both take a large amount of time and energy. Theres no reality where I could give up one for the other, so it was a struggle. In recent years I’ve found a way to set boundaries with both in order to have time to do it all. Its funny, because still, when I’m in my studio all I want to do is be outside, and when Im on the river I wish I could be painting.

It helps to have a partner who deals with the same struggle. We sort of figured it all out together.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a wildlife-nature based painter and mural artist.

I am known for my realistic wildlife portraits and custom pet portraits. I also make digital art designs for stickers, t-shirts and other products. I like to bounce back and forth from serious to lighthearted imagery. Im quite crafty so I really I love to be all over the place and paint/make everything.

Being so present in the natural world, witnessing the seasons change the forest, seeing the wildflowers bloom, watching the animals breed and migrate, it really inspires me to push deeper meanings into my work. I like to play with the themes of life/death, the partnerships that happen between animals and the relationship we all have to this earth. Adding a touch of nature into everything we touch and do as humans.

Lately my art has moved into a playful theme of the relationships with human and animals. We are all connected as animals of this earth and we all share in the same struggles of survival, rearing our young and joys of simple play. Using symbolism, animal portraiture, and humanoid qualities I connect these ideas. A lot of my ideas and inspiration come from my personal emotions and experiences.

The current series I’m painting depicts animals enjoying all the things we love about the summer.

I’m just a fun bubbly happy person, so I like to make fun art that is truly me and what means the most to me. And that is my family, the beautiful state of Colorado, and, of course, Adventure!

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you’d like to work with me or collaborate, don’t hesitate to reach out to me on my socials or through my website. To support me and my artwork I sell stickers, t-shirts and a few other products on my website. I am currently open for commissions if you’d like a pet portrait or custom piece.
@chelseychristy
www.chelseychristy.com

I am also in full Fly Fishing Guide mode, so if you’d like to come out and learn how to fish, please contact Colorado Trout Hunters for more information. We can stand in the river, watch the birds, play with fish and soak in all that the Colorado mountains have to offer.
@trout_christy
www.coloradotrouthunters.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chelseychristy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseychristy/
• Other: https://coloradotrouthunters.com/chelsey-christy/

 

Image Credits
Rob Hermann -“RH2_9717

Jake Pedroza – “2K23 Chelsey Christy Studio Portraits-8”

Jonathan Messinger