CRAZY FOR A FOX (Part 1): KRYS

Krys Fox, photographer and performance artist, poses at his apartment on 12-15-10

One of the most important elements to have along a creative journey is community. Whether the experiences on the path of life offer up challenging twists where friendship encourages us to move through them, or exciting turns where friendship to share it with enhances the excitement, building a connection with people that have different views on life offers up many rewards. The weaving together of different views enriches our palette as we come to understand what drives other people on their own personal journey, giving us the ability to reflect upon ours with a new perspective. Human nature often seeks to make comparisons or compete with each other, but when we can see beyond our ego’s individual needs and see each of us as manifestations of the same cosmic singularity, as one creative force with many variations, we can revel in and resonate with the lives of others.

Throughout history there are great examples where groups of artists gathered to share ideas, contributing to a cross-pollination of energies. This concept has always been near and dear to my heart, and when I see it in this light, I really get to admire the qualities that make us all unique flowers blossoming in the garden of life.

Krys & a flower blossoming in LA circa 2003

So, after that introduction, we come to a profile of another dear colleagues on this creative journey: Krys Fox. This week, Krys celebrates his first gallery opening in his new home of Brooklyn, a group show with some other talented artist called WOLF PACK opening tomorrow February 10 --  see WOLFPACK INVITE
If you are in the NYC area, this is not one to miss, as the synergy of these artists and the “pack” they hang with is electric and palpable through the advance buzz on the internet. I wish I could be there, but can admire the energy from afar.

WOLFPACK: Scooter LaForge, Walt Cessna & Krys Fox photographed by Devin Elijah Bklyn 10

In the ten plus years I’ve known Krys I’ve always admired his bold and unusual approach to life and the great charisma and style he exudes while doing it. He’s is a living work of art, reflected on the surface through his flare for fashion, make-up, hair-style, and tattoos, but also deeply present in his adventurous spirit and bold heart inside. As much as he has been influenced by the art world around him, he has influenced others in their styles. But few can pull off the edgy flare like Krys can. His unique look and ability to pull any second-hand frock into haute couture has made him a most excellent model for many photographers, and come to great use as a performance artist on stage. But Krys also applies his keen eye towards styling models for his own photography, and the various make-up and distortions he gives to them brings out the vulnerable and mysterious. You can always tell a model has been given the unique Krys Fox treatment...

Modeling after being "Krysed up" in 2000

When I met Krys he flattered me by asking me to model for him, and thus a great connection was made. It was one of those mutually attracted vibes that was discovered to really be a friendship, an admiration for a fellow creative flower in the garden. Our pollination was through art, and after seeing just how amazing his photography was from that session and the pictures in his portfolio, I knew Krys needed to have his own gallery show, but neither of quite had the funds. But the intention was put out into the Universe, and answered. We worked with a producing partner interested in helping contribute to the printing and framing his works for his first gallery opening at Phyllis’ Garage in 2001.

Krys Fox Photography at Phyllis' Garage 2001

I’ll be talking a lot about Phyllis’ Garage in the months to come, for this year marks its 10 year anniversary celebration, PGX and the theme is Re*Connection, a reunion to bring together some of the original artists of the performance and art space both physically and virtually online. More information can be found at: http://pgxproductions.blogspot.com/

Jeff, Krys, & Jason (the three producers) at Phyllis' Garage 2001

I feel it’s important for artists to also be patrons of the arts when possible. I would urge everyone to experience this along their creative paths and make it part of their palette. To have been both a model and co-producer (with Jeff Roberts), then see Krys’ amazing works of early photography hanging up on the walls of the Phyllis' Garage gallery space I co-created (with R. Sky Palkowitz) was a great thrill. To see him continuing to evolve and create his photography, taking on new models for his new show, furthers that thrill. Krys and his art was meant to shine, I've just been lucky to get to have been a small part of it during my own path. There may be a bit of a selfish rush one could find in that, but there’s also a pure bliss that comes from watching a friend cross-pollinating anew with others and blossoming!

It's marvelous to have watched Krys' development take shape. He applies his spirit to everything he does, mashing up bits of culture with a great dash of himself to spice up his work to give it that unique Krys flavor. Wherever he goes, he dives into the scene becoming a well-known part of it. His recent work had definitely been invigorated by the energy of New York and his partner and friends there, but the talent is all his and it comes through in every image. I look forward to what's next.

"Krysed up" again in 2003

Keep your eyes and hearts open. While you work on your own art, see what else is out there that moves you. Enrich your life by deepening your connection and support of other artists. Be a conduit of the Universe for manifesting what is destined. Make it a goal this year to model for a photographer, pose for a painter, sponsor a project, market an event, or gather a group meeting; whatever form it takes — cross-pollinate.

So onward brother Krys! BLOSSOM!

To keep track of Krys Fox’s work, follow his photography blog at: http://krysfox.tumblr.com/

And check out WOLF PACK:
http://www.artslant.com/ny/events/show/145507-wolfpack

Krys at his Phyllis' Garage opening in 2001

Krys' works on the wall at the LAGLC Village in 2004

Another Krys pic from our 2000 photo session