"My decision to move to Arizona in 2003 from Schenectady, New York, was primarily motivated by my need to find a sunnier, dryer climate since I was trying to heal from health issues. The aspect I didn’t plan for was the effect that the desert would have on my being. It is deconstructing ideas and relationships that aren’t benefiting me anymore and reconstructing my life from the inside out to please me. I meet a lot of people who come to Arizona to undergo this intense “Phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes” experience.
I dedicate my recent work to people who’ve been sick for an extended period of time and who’ve undergone the Phoenix experience of deconstruction-reconstruction. In each painting, I invite the viewer into a story that is still unfolding. By creating a resonance and depth of field through subtly shifting colors, a variety of textures and minimal form, I seek to offer an experience of peaceful mystery. This peaceful mystery is a reflection of my tender engagement with my healing process and spiritual practices which have evolved steadily over the past 23 years.
In my mixed-media and acrylic paintings I pay tribute to this experience and to the relationship I have with my spirituality which has enabled me to maintain a very high quality of life, despite living with an ongoing illness for over twenty years—the last eight, here in Arizona.
view résumé
I began making art when I was a young girl in Schenectady, New York. I was also a gymnast and an ice skater – I was very athletic; I loved dancing and moving. So when I was struck with a mysterious illness in my early twenties that made it difficult for me to walk and function, I was devastated. That I was told the illness was “in my head” made it even more traumatic.
My creativity gave me a reason to continue on through days, and then years of chronic pain, fatigue, heart trouble, and cognitive issues that seemed to have no cause and no cure. Gratefully in 2010, I was given an accurate diagnosis so now the true problem is being treated and my prognosis is very positive.
I maintain my optimism by reading uplifting books such as Martin Buber’s “Ecstatic Confessions” and sacred East Indian texts. These writings provide an underlying web of inspiration for my work, along with time spent in Papago Park, driving on the 202 during sunset, hiking in Sedona -- the desert colors and shapes continually astound me. My color choices are sometimes derived from “found palettes” encountered in my every day life. I am frequently mesmerized by old automobiles whose paint is partially worn away (an Arizona trademark). Their distressed colors speak to me of distant, past civilizations and remind me of our collective unconscious. The curiosity this raises within me is similar to my spiritual longing and so I believe they must be linked somehow.
Curiosity is a compelling force in my life and my work. It propels me to push and pull form above and below the surface of the painting, something that has always come naturally to me, and which I developed further through my studies at the Philadelphia College of Art. This playful “appearing-vanishing-appearing-vanishing game” is at the heart of the mystery that I continue to befriend.
This year is extra exciting -- I joined the Junior League of Phoenix. This first rate volunteer organization greatly impacts the lives of many children and adults here in the Valley of the Sun. I will be learning about state policy related to early education and giving my time to events that benefit young children in need. This is one of the many wonderful parts of my reconstructed life in Arizona. "
-- Crystal Daigle Painter of Bliss
A selection of private and public collectors
"When the Ellis Foundation asked me to create a work
the United States of America
for their adolescent treatment center, I was honored and began asking
young adults what would be comforting to them. The theme of the cosmos came up and I
began looking at pictures from the Hubble and reading about quantum physics. I incorporated
very small scale imagery into the painting--cats painted in a child-like style-- so viewers
can discover new 'treats' every time they visit." --Crystal Daigle
Response to Devotion 60" x 30" acrylic on wood panel
collection of Dr. Michael Funicello, Infinite Healings Arts Center, Gilbert, Arizona
2011 The Breakfast Salon Church of the Beatitudes Phoenix, AZ
2010 Faculty Show Brio Fine Arts Center Scottsdale, AZ
2009 Wild Grace The Artist’s Studio at the Farm at South Mountain Phoenix, AZ
2009 Sacred Art The Artist’s Studio at the Farm at South Mountain Phoenix, AZ
2009 Encounters with the Muse City of Tempe Edna Vihel Arts Center Tempe, AZ
2008 Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Tempe, AZ
2008 The Artist’s Studio at The Farm at South Mountain Phoenix, AZ
2007 Tempe Studio Artists Exhibit Edna Vihel Center for the Arts Tempe, AZ
2006 Rowan Tree Gallery Scottsdale, AZ
2004 Portrait Show, Rezurrection Gallery Tempe, AZ
2003 Tender Excavations, Dietel Gallery The Emma Willard School Troy, NY
2003 Annual Gala, The Arts Center of the Capital Region Troy, NY
2002 Fiddlehead Gallery Bennington, VT
2002 Fleur de Lis Gallery Woodstock, NY
2001 Blue Gallery Saratoga Springs, NY
2001 The Human Factor, Fulton Street Gallery Troy, NY
2001 Art Against Violence, The Women’s Building Albany, NY
2000 Incarnation: Form to Form, Adam’s Street Gallery Albany, NY
1999 Solo Show, Capital District Center for Independence Albany, NY
1997 Ute Stebich Gallery Lenox, MA
Residencies and Grants
2009 Artist-in-Residence: The Artists’ Studio at the Farm at South Mountain, Phoenix, AZ
2003 Artist-in-Residence: Greenbush Academy, East Greenbush, NY
2003 Artist-In-Residence: Albany Association for Retarded Citizens, Albany, NY
2003 Artist-In-Residence: Duanesburg Elementary School, Duanesburg, NY
1998-2001 Operation Jumpstart Grant: Funding for Entrepreneurs in Schenectady County, NY
Civic Activities
Member of the Junior League of Phoenix which promotes volunteerism in the community and develops the potential of women.
Art Related Professional Experience
2007-08 Expressive Clinician, Behavioral Health Technician Art Awakenings, Phoenix, AZ
Developed curriculum and taught drawing, mixed media techniques, writing workshops, professional development and poetry performance to people recovering from serious mental illness. Provided one-on-one coaching and ongoing case management services. Developed special events with integrated team of staff and students. Juried artworks for exhibition. Assisted art collectors in purchasing of artworks.
2006 Children’s Art Instructor, Kidzart Gilbert, AZ
Developed curriculum and taught drawing, painting and craft techniques to 5 to 15 year-olds.
2005-07 Tempe Studio Artist Tempe, AZ
Designed and taught painting workshops to fourth and fifth graders at Tempe elementary schools.
2005 Consultant for Customized Group Art Activities
Clients include Sundance Addiction Recovery Center, Scottsdale, AZ; Schenectady County Community College, NY.
Designed and implemented art activities that support personal growth and recovery from addictions.
2003 Painting Instructor, The Schenectady County Community College Schenectady, NY
Created and facilitated a plein air painting course for beginning adult painters.
2002–03 Visual and Performing Arts Instructor, Successful Communications Camp
The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Troy, NY
Designed programming and taught painting, drawing, acting and costume design to 6 to12 year-olds.
2002-03 Art Preparator/Installer /Research Assistant and Docent
Tang Teaching Museum, Saratoga Springs, NY
Installed Sol Lewitt’s “Arcs From Four Corners”. Prepared galleries for exhibitions, installed and removed work. Compiled artists information and created biographies for exhibition catalogue. Assisted visitors and gave tours.
Bibliography
2009 The Arcadian Journal, August/September 2009. “Crystal Daigle, Painter of Bliss”. Feature article by Dan Siegel, editor.
2006 Scottsdale Tribune, April 24, 2006. Photograph with caption featuring my action-painting interactive public art activity for “Cycle the Arts”.
1999 The Ellis Connection, Ellis Hospital, Schenectady, NY. Article with interview about my commissioned painting.
Education
Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Arts in Theater
Magna Cum Laude
Awarded W.W. Smith Scholarship 3 semesters
State University of New York, Albany
Theater Major
The Philadelphia College of Art, Philadelphia, PA
Fine Arts Major Awarded Presidential Scholarship
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