Crystal Buchalski & Joelle Bilow
The Story
Crystal Bichalski
Verona, NJ
@crystalbastrology
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a very scary thing to be happy, especially when you've been healthy all your life. It opens a door where you come face to face with the ultimate powerlessness, vulnerability, and bravery. While the whole process rocks your entire world on the deepest level, it also activates your fighting spirit and desire to live your best life. I've tried to make peace with my cancer and my diagnosis. It found me for a reason. While it brought a lot of difficulty, it also came with a lot of love and renewal. It awakened a new part of me that I never knew I had and helped me re-engage with a new zest and appreciation for life!
@crystalbastrology
Survivor
Twist on Cancer: Receiving a cancer diagnosis is a very scary thing to be happy, especially when you've been healthy all your life. It opens a door where you come face to face with the ultimate powerlessness, vulnerability, and bravery. While the whole process rocks your entire world on the deepest level, it also activates your fighting spirit and desire to live your best life. I've tried to make peace with my cancer and my diagnosis. It found me for a reason. While it brought a lot of difficulty, it also came with a lot of love and renewal. It awakened a new part of me that I never knew I had and helped me re-engage with a new zest and appreciation for life!
Joelle Bilow
Glencoe, IL
“OCEAN OF EMOTIONS”
Mixed Media
48”x48”x48”x48”
$3,333.13
Artist Statement: I truly believe in the power of art therapy, and Crystal is a shining example of this belief! She dives into astrology with such enthusiasm—engaging with it, reading about it, sharing her knowledge, explaining, and teaching those who are open to learning.
The way astrology, especially the Cancer archetype, intertwines with art has created a wonderful exchange of knowledge between us. I never planned to be Crystal’s artist; it all happened organically through our friendship and deep connection. I’m so grateful for everything she’s taught me, all she’s achieved, and how she’s prepared me for life’s ups and downs.
Crystal’s special “gift,” much like the unique abilities we see in “Encanto,” lies in her talent for teaching others about astrology and what makes it unique to them.
She’s been my astrologist for almost three years, helping me navigate life’s unexpected twists and the darker days we all encounter. Her guidance has completely reshaped how I view the world, the people in it, and my relationships. By opening up and sharing her own journey with me, she’s shown me such trust by revealing her story.
I hope that by capturing the courage and resilience she’s shown, which I’ve been lucky to witness, I can express my gratitude and aid in her healing through this artistic piece. All of the elements of my work symbolize Crystal. Some may only make sense to us, while others hold meanings known only to her. My wish is that I’ve created something beautiful that reflects the challenges she has conquered and those she still faces.
There are countless reasons to be thankful for Crystal, but the top two are definitely her trust in me and her belief in this collaborative journey we’re on. I’m forever grateful for how she’s reignited my passion through art to tell her story, even when things get tough.
“OCEAN OF EMOTIONS”
Mixed Media
48”x48”x48”x48”
$3,333.13
Artist Statement: I truly believe in the power of art therapy, and Crystal is a shining example of this belief! She dives into astrology with such enthusiasm—engaging with it, reading about it, sharing her knowledge, explaining, and teaching those who are open to learning.
The way astrology, especially the Cancer archetype, intertwines with art has created a wonderful exchange of knowledge between us. I never planned to be Crystal’s artist; it all happened organically through our friendship and deep connection. I’m so grateful for everything she’s taught me, all she’s achieved, and how she’s prepared me for life’s ups and downs.
Crystal’s special “gift,” much like the unique abilities we see in “Encanto,” lies in her talent for teaching others about astrology and what makes it unique to them.
She’s been my astrologist for almost three years, helping me navigate life’s unexpected twists and the darker days we all encounter. Her guidance has completely reshaped how I view the world, the people in it, and my relationships. By opening up and sharing her own journey with me, she’s shown me such trust by revealing her story.
I hope that by capturing the courage and resilience she’s shown, which I’ve been lucky to witness, I can express my gratitude and aid in her healing through this artistic piece. All of the elements of my work symbolize Crystal. Some may only make sense to us, while others hold meanings known only to her. My wish is that I’ve created something beautiful that reflects the challenges she has conquered and those she still faces.
There are countless reasons to be thankful for Crystal, but the top two are definitely her trust in me and her belief in this collaborative journey we’re on. I’m forever grateful for how she’s reignited my passion through art to tell her story, even when things get tough.