MEYSPRING Artist of the Month - August 2024

Congrats, Crystals Fusion Art!

Entrance your visual senses with the beautiful artwork created by August Artist of the Month winner Gladys Tsanga of Crystals Fusion Art! Gladys has mesmerized us with her truly unique works of art, that combine the beauty and intricacy of resin geodes with the heritage and bold colors of Africa using MEYSPRING Pigments! What’s more impressive is she has already mastered this art form in under a year - which is no easy feat. Her artistic future is bright and we can’t wait to see more from this tremendously talented artist!

Meet the Artist

Keep reading to learn more about Gladys and see some of our favorite pieces she has made with MEYSPRING Pigments!

Tell us more about yourself! 

I was born in Cameroon, a country whose rich culture and traditions have profoundly influenced my art. My heritage is reflected in my creations, where I love incorporating elements of African culture, such as traditional fabrics like Ankara, to blend modernity with ancestral heritage.

Seven years ago, I immigrated to Canada, a country that has offered me new perspectives and opportunities. This experience of immigration has broadened my worldview and continues to inspire my artistic work.

I am passionate about cooking, traveling, interior decoration, and music. Cooking is a true playground where I can express my creativity. I also dream of renovating houses, but for now, I offer décor advice to those who need it, helping to transform spaces into unique and welcoming environments. Traveling allows me to discover new cultures, which continually fuels my artistic inspiration, while music is a constant source of comfort and motivation in my daily life.

Professionally, I am a special education teacher, working with young people who are having difficulty. This work is a daily challenge that requires continuous self-reflection and growth to better support those in need. Although it is demanding, it is incredibly rewarding and contributes to my personal development.

On a personal level, I am also the mother of a 2-and-a-half-year-old boy who fills my days with joy and boundless energy. As a family, we enjoy spending time together, whether through creative activities or simply cherishing quality moments at home.

What inspired you to become an artist?

Since my childhood in Cameroon, working with my hands has always been a significant part of my life. My artistic spirit first blossomed through cooking, makeup, and later, hairstyling when I immigrated to Canada. I enjoyed not only styling my own hair but also doing the hair of women in my community.

In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, my passion for interior decoration truly came to life. I took great pleasure in transforming my living space as well as the spaces of my loved ones. What started as a simple hobby quickly became a real talent, to the point where my friends and family often sought my advice on home décor.

After my partner and I bought our home in November 2023, we were on the lookout for unique décor pieces, but nothing in the stores satisfied me. One evening, while browsing YouTube, I stumbled upon the art of resin infused with crystals, and it was a revelation. Captivated, I spent the entire night watching videos on this art form despite having work the next day.

The very next day, I dove into learning this technique, purchasing courses, and eagerly training myself to create. By February 2024, I had made the decision to turn this passion into a business, marking the beginning of my new artistic journey.

How long have you been working with resin?

The first time I poured resin was in November 2023. By February 2024, I had gained more confidence in my skills and decided to turn my passion into a business.

What made you choose MEYSPRING pigments?

When I first discovered resin art, the artists who inspired me used MEYSPRING pigments, which gave me confidence in choosing this brand. It’s a decision I don’t regret. MEYSPRING pigments are rich in color, have a beautiful shimmer, and give my projects a superior finish.

What is your favorite color scheme?

It's hard to choose just one favorite because I love so many! White Pearl is absolutely stunning, and Gilded Gold is a staple in almost all of my projects. Dazzling Diamond adds that "wow" factor with its incredible shimmer, and Sterling Lining is simply amazing. I can't get enough of Violet Crystal—it's become essential in my work. And, of course, Rose Quartz holds a special place in my heart. Honestly, all these pigments are magnificent, and I enjoy using each one to bring my creations to life.

Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from various sources. My African roots play a crucial role in my creative process, and I love incorporating traditional elements, such as local fabrics, to blend modernity with ancestral heritage. Geodes themselves deeply inspire me; I find them magnificent, and reproducing them in my own way allows me to bring them to life in a new form.

I also draw inspiration from the work of other artists. As someone new to this industry, I love learning from others and exploring different techniques and styles. Pinterest is an essential resource for me, where I gather ideas for designs and color combinations.

I’m inspired by the stories and experiences of others, which spark my creativity. For example, this summer, I created a geode-shaped moon to celebrate the birth of my niece, infusing it with all my love for her. Lastly, my own life is a constant source of inspiration for my creations.

How much time do you dedicate to your craft?

If I could, I would create full-time, but for now, I have to balance my passion for resin art with my work as a special education teacher. It requires good time management, but I always find moments, whether in the evenings after dinner and once my son is asleep or on weekends, to fully dedicate myself to it. In addition to my time in the studio, I also spend time researching designs, planning business management, and learning strategies to gain visibility. My goal is to one day devote myself entirely to this passion, which already occupies an important place in my life.

What are your goals for your artistic journey?

My goals for my artistic journey are to continue growing and refining my skills in resin art, eventually creating full-time and turning my passion into a sustainable business. I want to inspire others through my work, especially by showcasing the beauty of African culture and its rich traditions. I also aim to expand my reach, connecting with a larger audience who appreciates unique, personalized art pieces. Ultimately, I hope to make a lasting impact through my art, bringing joy and a sense of identity to those who welcome my creations into their homes.

What is the most significant "Aha moment" you've had while creating?

My most significant 'Aha' moment came when I truly mastered the resin pouring technique. Before that, I was experimenting and learning, but once I understood the nuances and subtleties of the process, I saw a noticeable improvement in the quality of my work, which greatly boosted my confidence. Another moment of revelation happens every time I mix pigments. I'm always fascinated by the combinations of colors and the unexpected effects that result—it's as if each mix has its own personality. Finally, deciding to incorporate African fabrics into my creations was a pivotal moment. I was a bit nervous at first, but seeing how much these elements enrich my work confirmed that it was an excellent idea, perfectly aligned with my artistic vision.

What advice, tips, or tricks would you like to share with aspiring creators?

My advice to aspiring resin artists:

Take courses, get training! This is essential to avoid wasting time, energy, and, most importantly, money. Resin is an expensive material, and proper training will help you master the essential techniques, reducing costly mistakes and allowing you to achieve better results from the start. Next, it’s crucial to develop your own style. Be inspired by others' work, but trust your creativity and intuition to create something unique that reflects who you are.

Finally, be kind to yourself. Mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process, and they can sometimes lead to unexpected discoveries. Every creation is an opportunity to grow, learn, and refine your skills. I remind myself of this because I tend to be hard on myself and struggled to appreciate my own work. But if we want others to love our creations, we must first love them ourselves. Let’s be gentle with ourselves—the creative process is demanding and sometimes frustrating. Let’s celebrate one victory at a time.

Final Thoughts

I'd like people to know that my artwork is a true reflection of my journey, both culturally and personally. Every piece I create is infused with my passion for combining modern aesthetics with the rich heritage of my African roots. I’m constantly inspired by the stories of others, my own life experiences, and the natural beauty of geodes, which I find absolutely captivating.

But beyond creating art, I have a bigger vision. I want to build a supportive and kind-hearted community of art and home decor enthusiasts. A space where we can share our passions, inspire one another, and grow together. I warmly invite you to join us on this journey—let’s create a space where creativity and positivity thrive.

 

Congratulations again to Gladys on winning MEYSPRING Artist of the Month - August 2024!

To see more of Gladys’ work, check out her pages:

Instagram: @crystals_fusion_art

TikTok: @crystalfusion_art

Facebook: Gladys Best

Would you like to be featured as MEYSPRING’s Artist of the Month? Tag @meyspring​ and use #MeyspringPigments in posts featuring your creations made with MEYSPRING Pigments on Instagram or TikTok at least 2 times per month.

Winners are featured on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Pinterest, and our blog! They will also receive a $100 Gift Card to www.meyspring.com.