Krys Applegate: The Exploration of Humanity and Oneself

Painter. Actor. Curator. Florist.

Local artist, Krys Applegate, courageously explores humanity while picking up new ways to express who he is.

Born and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Krys, unshy of discovering the next version of himself began painting his Senior year of high school. His artistic exploration would gravitate his interests to Colorado to find a larger community of fellow artists. Yet, Krys’s interests would shift one day as he realized he could artistically provide for his community. From there, Krys decided he could provide an uncommon artistic expression to the Lubbock community.

“Because I fully believe that it only takes one person, the right person, to see something of yours and it changes your life forever."

Prepared to invest in his community, Krys’s time, energy, and sacrifice provided something new; something of his own for his community. Although Krys did not have a full understanding of what professional artistry could do for him yet.

“Five years ago, I didn’t even know what I was doing existed as a job,” said Krys.

Despite having to work in managerial jobs across Lubbock, Krys would begin to design and paint sets for the Lubbock theatre. And has since constructed sets for 16 local productions.

In saying yes to every opportunity presented to him, Krys was welcomed as the curator for SaySelfie, an interactive museum, where he builds numerous backdrops.

Although Krys paints large theatrical sets and photo backdrops. He still finds immeasurable personal value on canvas. Mainly using acrylics, Krys’s commissioned work, is adamant about putting a piece of himself in all his work. Since his decision to stay in Lubbock, Krys finds a sense of responsibility to put himself out to the world and deliver to others whether that is in his paintings or his next floral arrangement at Tuckers.

Dress painted by Krys

Taking inspiration from Da Vinci’s words, “Art is never finished, it is only abandoned.”

Krys is never shy to revisit old works to deliver a piece of himself, “I’ll have pieces that have been with me for years, and I’ll just start working on them out of nowhere and changing them and adding stuff taking away stuff. And pretty much breathing new life into it. Because it feels right,” he said.

From a Michael Jordan painting, his first sold piece, and most recently designing a large-scale theatrical set for The Book of Will, Krys has grown to understand the different versions of himself he gives to the world.

“I don’t really have phases anymore. I would say there’s about five to six versions of Krys, depending on style, that you could get depending on what day of the week it is.”

Krys, thriving within his community, loves being and collaborating with other artists. He mentions doing his professional work would not be the same if it were not around his friends.

“It gives this level of comfort that they’re here and doing the thing, and I’m here, I can do the thing.”

With this mindset, Krys jumped into other mediums to work with like floral design and acting. Working at Tucker's, Krys can craft arrangements knowing they deliver emotional messages. He notes receiving flowers on the opening night of a play is a favored feeling and one he experiences playing boy Hamlet in The Book of Will at the Wallace Theatre.

As an active local artist, excited to admire and work with his peers, it is no surprise Krys is an 806 collective member. In knowing the art before the person, Krys felt honored to be accepted into the group and excited to have access to great artists. Being a part of the 806 collective allows Krys to be a part of something real for the betterment of the art community.

The professional artist is still looking to whatever opportunity presents itself, and metalsmithing might be Krys’s next big thing. But his goals still aim to make art more accessible to younger artists trying to grow, like himself.

“That’s just a huge goal of mine, is to be an asset to everyone I come across and do a lot of cool stuff.”

Validated in who he is, Krys accepts what has happened and patiently enjoys the moment to tackle every opportunity coming his way, preparing him for the future.

“This is my life, and I’m happy and proud and it all had to happen. The exact way that it did.”