Artist Interview – Styna
Firstly who are you and where & how did you grow up?
I am Christina, and I paint under the artist’s name STYNA (sometimes ‘stynabyna’)
I grew up in the Greater Fairfield area and am based in Parramatta today – I had a pretty good childhood; I’ve always been super family-orientated and a big daydreamer.
How do you think this affected you on your journey towards being an artist?
I’d always enjoyed creating things with my hands and drawing as a kid, through my adolescence and into adulthood.
When/How did you know you wanted to be a mural artist?
My first memory of when I realised I wanted to be a muralist was during my last year of study at Western Sydney University in 2011. There was a unit where we had to paint large wooden panels – it was so much fun. I also remember being inspired by the streetscapes of the Inner West at the time with some excellent pieces by Teazer, Phibs, Beastman and Swaze.
How did you learn to do what you do?
I work on lots of collaborations with other like-minded artists, live paint, and paint at jams with supportive collectives like Stayfly Sydney. Anyone’s practice naturally develops the more time and effort put in, the more hours of trial and error, and the more hours of painting consistent subject matter, but taking the time to develop what feels natural to your artmaking processes.
Are there any particular challenges or limitations you face as a mural artist, and how do you work around them?
Most of the challenges I’ve experienced are maintaining a work-life balance. I still struggle to maintain what feels like a healthy balance, it’s somewhere between trying not to over-commit but also not being complacent in applying yourself to opportunities.
Can you tell us about a particularly challenging project you undertook and how you overcame any obstacles during the process?
My first ever public art project would have been the most challenging project to date simply because I had yet to develop the knowledge or skill to undertake such a big, logistically tricky wall. In the end, through the guidance of a dear family friend and the support of the commissioner, the work was realised. There are some details of the mural I could not get right because I lacked the technical skill, but, in the end, I had to let go of it.
Could you share any memorable interactions or experiences you’ve had with community members or observers during the creation of your murals?
They’re all quite unique in their own way.
What/Who are some of the inspirations for you and your art?
Alan Watts, Carl Jung, Maya Angelou and Brene Brown
Hayao Miyazaki, Shaun Tan, Alegria del Prado and Cinta Vidal
Can you describe a project that had a significant impact on you personally or professionally, and explain why it was so meaningful?
I once worked on a commercial project painting a mural on the rooftop of a shopping complex in the amenities block. There was a 24-hour work schedule with an intense deadline and pressure for the shops to open. I can’t remember why I was painting at 4 a.m., but I do remember construction workers coming in to use the loo – unaware I was painting next to them or that the toilets weren’t functioning yet.
It may not have been pleasantly meaningful, but that project did remind me of how happy I was just to paint a mural (prior to the loo biz), how ridiculously hard I worked in those earlier days (things you wouldn’t ordinarily agree to now) and how far I’ve come (while feeling excited for how far I have yet to go).
How do you select the themes and subjects for your murals? Are there specific messages or emotions you aim to convey through your art?
If I can visit a place, I’ll always go and take the time to sit in the space and notice all the sensory goodness/ energy coming to me from that place (if there is any). It’s very much a sensing approach as I don’t like to overthink the themes or ideas and focus on what comes first to mind that feels good. Sometimes, I layer these ideas with my own experiences or childhood memories or the fascinating stories you might learn about the heritage of a place.
What advice would you give to aspiring mural artists who are looking to establish themselves in the field?
Give it your best! ‘When you put love and enthusiasm into your work, even if people don’t see it, they realise that it is there, that you did this with all your body and soul.” – Paulo Coelho
Thank you very much for your time and we look forward to seeing more of your amazing work
You can find more of Styna work at:
