Welcome to Gray's Studio

---

Twenty-one year old Cristiana Grahiola, "Gray," was born and raised in Bakersfield, California and moved to Des Moines, Iowa in 2024. For as long as she can recall, her deepest and most driving passion has been creating visually alluring and intricate illustrations. Much of her childhood was spent in "The Shadows," in solitude, othered from mainstream social circles, and isolated in her own uniqueness.  Early in Gray's life, it was made evident that silence was the safest place and space for her to exist. Without words, thoughts, opinions, perspectives - without a voice, Gray found a reprieve from the harsh, judgmental, and at times, violent, voices of the world through Art. As a result, "the paint became my addiction and the Art, my obsession."

In her youngest years, Gray learned about "The Shadows" that over time, crept into her heart and mind. In an effort to remain lucid and functional, she turned inward and lived a muted life which only caused further emotional, psychological, spiritual, and physical erosion. While veiled by the shroud of darkness, Gray found solace in the bond she shared with her twin sister. It was only by Art, because of Art, and for Art's sake that Gray was able to find the complete freedom, and the boundless power and control to express herself in ways words didn't and couldn't. 

Gray's mental health and self-care journey continues to be ignited largely by Art and the serenity creative freedom provides to so many. She is deeply inspired by the world around her, in all of it's horrors and all of it's beauty. In a recent interview, Gray was asked if she would be comfortable with having her life story and mental health journey shared publicly. She responded "I have no problem with that, in fact, I welcome that! My hope is that I can help and inspire others, I've seen the very bottom life has to offer, and not only am I still standing, but I'm getting taller every day. If I can be a beam of light for those trapped in darkness, then I am willing to be as open and vulnerable as the world will accept."

Gray's inspired by artists Zdzisław Beksińsk, Francis Bacon , and Francisco Goyas' "Black Paintings," she loves frozen bananas covered in dark chocolate, and would love to travel to Switzerland one day.