I Was Always Told to Meet You

Krystal Bradford is a contemporary Brisbane artist, known for her abstract paintings. She holds a Bachelor of Visual Art and a Bachelor of Secondary Education.

In the early stages of her career, Krystal showcased her work in various emerging artist exhibitions and galleries throughout Brisbane. This exposure sparked her interest in contemporary sculpture and textiles, though her practice has consistently been grounded in tradition.

Recently, Krystal has rekindled her passion for painting and colour exploration. Her abstract pieces explore the interplay of pattern and surface, often mapping memories and landscapes. She frequently examines re-occurring patterns in nature and relationships through symbolic mark-making, creating familiarity for her audience. Her recent work also reflects experiences with anxiety, power, and stillness.

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This work explores anxiety, using stripes as a symbol of control and containment. The repetitive patterns reflect the need for order amidst internal chaos. Within this structure, moments of colour emerge - representing joy and emotional release - often hidden or confined to the self. The title speaks to the journey of self-connection: meeting the parts of ourselves we keep guarded. Through layered marks and restrained vibrancy, the piece expresses the tension between outward calm and inner emotional depth.