Danielle Krysa in her studio

Danielle Krysa, known to the world by many as, “The Jealous Curator," is an author, curator, and artist. She began her path in the art world as a painter, but like many creatives, felt discouraged by her own potential, and shifted gears towards curation and writing. Krysa has written several books and is the voice behind Art For Your Ear. Let's learn more about the power of letting go of artistic envy with the Jealous Curator!

1. Hi Danielle! You have quite an impressive resume within the art industry, from artist to curator, to author, to the creator of a highly successful Instagram account... Could you share a bit about your journey and how you got to where you are today?

Well, the short version is that I was an art kid since birth, went to art school, didn't fit in, quit making art for 15 years, and then started a blog called The Jealous Curator in 2009 as a way to turn my jealousy towards every other artist in the world into something positive. Thankfully, it worked! Since then, I've completely let the jealousy go, I've written seven books, spoken at TEDx, and had some pretty crazy opportunities from New York to Venice ... and, on a personal note, I'm not only still writing about other artists every day, I'm also finally making my own artwork!

2. Have you always been passionate about art?

Yes! My mom is an artist and, according to her, I was stealing her supplies as soon as I was tall enough to reach her studio table.

A selection of books authored by Danielle Krysa

3. Can you reflect upon your relationship with the medium?

I was always making something, so going to art school completely made sense. However, when I got there, I didn't fit into the very conceptual school I was attending. I was a painting major and at my final critique a few weeks before I graduated, my professor (who was also the head of the painting department) said, “YOU SHOULD NEVER PAINT AGAIN." Unfortunately, I listened to him and quit for a really long time. I eventually found my way back in, after starting my blog, and now my art practice is filled with collage, sculpture, and the occasional bit of paint!

4. What inspired you to turn to Instagram as an outlet?

Instagram is perfect for visual people, one of which I am. Twitter never really worked for me, but as soon as Instagram showed up, I was hooked! It's such an easy way to share the artists I love, and then directly link back to them so people can go down the same rabbit holes I fall into every single day.

Artwork of Danielle's choosing: Ddose by Erik Minter /  By My Side 7 by Antoine Rose, both available on Artsper!

5. Which contemporary artists, famous or emerging, are a source of inspiration to you?

Ah, this could end up being a very long list, so I'll give you the short one instead. I am completely in awe of several female artists who I feel are paving the way for future generations of artists: New York sculptor Petah Coyne, New York installation photographer Sandy Skoglund, Baltimore painter Amy Sherald, and New Orleans painter Ashley Longshore. They are all focused, unapologetic, and creative forces to be reckoned with. I have an art podcast called Art For Your Ear, and there are hundreds of interviews there with artists who inspire me, ie., the long list I mentioned off the top!

6. You've built your career online. What are your views on the expansion of the online art market and what do you think the art market will look like in the future?

The online art market has made it possible for so many more artists to be seen. You used to have to be in a large city if you wanted to be noticed, but now you can live wherever you like and still have the world watch what you're doing. And, the same goes for buyers. You can be in a tiny town in the middle of nowhere and still have access to fabulous art from all over the world. Granted, there's nothing quite like seeing work in person, but thanks to Covid (?!) people are getting so much more comfortable with seeing - and buying - art online. I don't think that will slow down anytime soon.

7. Lastly, do you have any advice for those who are intrigued by the art universe but are afraid to dip their toes in the water?

I went to art school and I was still intimidated by the art universe. It took me years to realize this simple fact: Art is for everyone... JUMP IN!