Artist statement

Proof of Life...
For me, art is more than just an aesthetic pursuit; it is proof of life itself. It is a testament to our humanity, our struggles, our triumphs, and our capacity for boundless possibilities and connections.

In life, I hold a firm belief that the last of our true human freedoms lies in our perspective. We have the power to choose how we see and interpret the world around us – no one can take that from us. At my lowest and highest moments, art has been my lifeline. Without it, I would be lost; with it, I feel powerful and capable. When I look back at a piece I’ve created, I am reminded of what has shaped me. I feel compelled to leave this proof behind.

As a second-generation American, I spent my adolescence navigating between the barrios of El Salvador and the diverse landscape of New York, raised by my single mother and grandparents. In a world marked by hardship, I was also surrounded by creativity—by seamstresses, poets, and makers who expressed themselves as a means of survival. Traveling between the United States and Central America and experiencing these parallel cultures taught me that when your purpose calls, you must answer. For me, art isn’t just an outlet; it’s how I navigate the world around me and come to understand the human condition.

Art has been my anchor as I’ve struggled with mental health, anxieties and the constant push and pull of life. It is the only place where I’ve found healing and true answers.

As a professional designer for over a decade, I’ve worked through the rapid shifts of what we now call the digital landscape, contributing to countless projects and helping businesses thrive. Yet, as the world moves deeper into digital spaces, I’ve begun to feel a shift—a sense that the digital artifacts we create are often fleeting, easily lost in the sea of data. I believe we are entering a time where the permanence and depth of tangible art are more important than ever.

In this era of digital impermanence, I am drawn back to creating true, physical artifacts—works that can be revisited, rediscovered, and experienced in ways that digital creations cannot replicate. Art, for me, is about connection, legacy, and leaving behind something that endures. At this turning point, I find myself compelled towards creating tangible works that transcend consumerism and speak to the essence of human experience in the present moment. There is a profound power in working with my hands—engaging with materials, embracing the mess, and staying present in the process—free from the noise and the risk of disappearing into the digital void. It’s a return to the roots of true creation.

FOR INQUIRIES /

Krystal M. Flores
krystalmflores@gmail.com
Queens, New York

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Hard To Forget: I