Bio
Chrislyn Williams is a 19 year old Hispanic, LGBTQ+ artist who attended South San High School and the Early College Academy. She started SAY Sí in 2018, and her artwork intends to convey the emotions and challenges that have been experienced by others. Being ag SAY Sí made her think about her art in a different way and incorporate unique approaches when creating. Chrislyn will attend The University of Incarnate Word, majoring in Animation and minoring in Graphic Design. With this degree, she wants to make video games or animated movies/shows.
Artist Statement
Growing up has been filled with many memories, good and bad. While most have been difficult, they have shaped me into who I am today. As I've grown, I've seen the importance of documenting these memories from my past and present. In this piece, I began by exploring my immediate family - my mom, dad, sister, and brother. With my parents' seperation, I had the experience of going back and forth between different homes, in addition to my parents finding new partners and having chlldren. I changed schools frequently, and as result failed first grade. This really hurt me, in ways that continued for years after. Reading comprehension wasn't my strongest ability, but I have now overcome that challenge. During this time, I also found a passion in an unexpected place thanks to my stepmom - volleyball. Unfortuantely, I had an accident that required my wrist to be in and out of casts for four years. While the pain of losing the ability to pursue this passion and the accident itself was the most I had ever felt at that time, I had no idea what was to come next. The deaths of three loved ones, my Grandpa Mike, Grandma Margie and best friend Alyssa, all happened in one year. I miss them everyday. High school has proven to be full of good and bad memories as well. I came out to my parents, my cat went missing and in the summer of 2019 I found the strength to tell my family about my sexual abuse. I have also suffered from depression and anxiety for a long time, and continue to do so. My good memories, like my sister Apple and her daughter Daisy, have taught me a happiness that I could have never imagined. I have also been accepted into The Univeristy of the Incarnate Word, where I will pursue my dreams of becoming an animator. All of my memories, good and bad, have brought me to where, and who, I am today.
