We recently had the chance to connect with Christy Ross and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Christy, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think people are really struggling to connect with other people. They are caught up in the day to day of living life, being responsible, paying bills, working hard, that there’s a void of connecting.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I teach Painting classes all over San Diego County. Having been in my third year of owning Christy Ross Art, I get to have these classes that provide a pathway for people to get creative, grow and socialize! This is my eleventh year in the classroom. After earning my BA in design from UCLA, I earned my teaching credential in art education from CSULA. I’m in my fourth year at a school in Normal Heights teaching K-8 art. Whether I’m teaching at coffee shop, library, classroom, sushi restaurant or pub, these places become avenues for fun, creativity and connection.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My art teacher Mrs.Ralston from San Dieguito High School in Encinitas convinced me (didn’t take a ton of convincing) to apply to art school. UCLA accepted me in both design and art majors. I chose design because I would be “more employable” according to my dad. He wasn’t wrong. I worked in the movie industry for 10 years colorizing black and white movies.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding that I have PTSD about two years ago. Instead of hiding it from people I’ve been open about my healing process of being a survivor of sexual assault. Speaking about it gives me power by giving hope to others that they to can live a vibrant full life without fear or shame.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
100% the public version is the real me. I have a lot of energy, enthusiasm and joy for teaching art. It’s my lifeline to happiness.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone I want people to take away that art can transform someone’s life in many ways. For me, art has brought community, money, healing, entertainment, purpose and self-confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.christyross.art
- Instagram: Christyrossart
- Facebook: Christy Ross Art
Image Credits
Christy Ross
Maribel Diaz
Nicole Sargent
