Cherisa Cromer is an abstract artist on a journey to create art that sparks JOY! She lives with her family in Austin.
1. Why did you move to Central Texas?
My move to Central Texas was mostly just because we love Austin! We love the weirdness, the music and arts scene, all of it. As soon as I landed a choir director position at Elgin High School, we made the move!
I live in Community First! Village in Austin, Texas which is a 51-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women coming out of chronic homelessness. This transformative residential program exists to love and serve our neighbors who have been living on the streets, while also empowering the surrounding community into a lifestyle of service with the homeless. Below is a little video about the village, that does a much better job of explaining what is going on here than I ever could. You can also go to MLF.org for more information!
2. What compels you to spend time creating?
Creating is the thing that has always given me energy, joy, and freedom. I found renewed time for it (in the form of painting) during quarantine last year, and have not been able to stop the creative juices from flowing!
3. Tell me three things you’ve learned in the past five years.
This is such a hard question! I have learned a lot about myself & those I love through the study of something called the enneagram.
I have learned that the busy-ness that we celebrate in our culture is not necessarily the best way to live, and am on a journey to finding a much simpler, slower pace of life for my family and I.
I have learned that there is nothing real but this moment, right where you are. And 99% of the time, the moment you’re in is pretty good. I’m trying to live that way.
4. What are you currently making, reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m currently watching a lot of Olympics! (this interview occurred earlier this summer) My daughter does volleyball & track, so we’re super into the beach/indoor volleyball and all of the track & field events. I also have been obsessed with painting with alcohol inks and/or high flow acrylics, which is something I can’t get enough of experimenting & playing with!
5. Cake or Pie?
Cake, definitely.
@cherisacromerart
Bean & Noodle 