14 Questions with Carly Cristopher

Carly Christopher is an actor, producer, and content creator who splits her time between Austin, Jackson Hole, and Los Angeles. Originally from Mason, Texas, she studied Sociology at Southwestern University before beginning her career in the food and beverage world—where she also met her husband, Clayton. Now based in Austin with their two kids, James and Charlotte, she works across TV and film with appearances in Landman, The Really Loud House, Criminal Minds, and Duster. She’s deeply involved in nonprofit work with organizations like The Alchemy Theatre, Creative Action, and the Jackson Hole International Film Festival, and serves on the UT Performing Arts Advisory Board. Through comedy, storytelling, and community, Carly brings joy and connection wherever she goes.

On Design

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Comfortable, colorful, simple

Which objects in your home have deep significance to you?

My kids have made ceramic art over the years and I’ve got a collection of their little creations on a shelf. It brings me a lot of joy to see how children see the world. Outside of that, it’s the art in our home that bring me the most joy. Oh, and I love drinking martini’s out of this glass my sister gave me. 

What are you loving or inspired by right now?

I can’t get enough of White Lotus Season 3 (for so many reasons). Seeing the beauty of Thailand on screen is a reminder to me how much I love plants, greenery, and nature in general. Ryan Mrozowski creates the most beautiful acrylic on linen works inspired by foliage, botanicals, and fruit. Our dear friend and art advisor Nick Campbell of Campbell Art Advisory introduced us to his work and we have the most epic piece by Ryan that’s got bright oranges popping out of layered, overlapping, lush green leaves. I like to sit and stare at it and imagine what else is behind those leaves. 

You have an epic dining table with sweeping views of our beautiful city, so I have to imagine you host on occasion. What do you think makes a great dinner party?

I have to credit my husband Clayton for this one. Clayton is the most thoughtful human when it comes to dinner parties. Outside of delicious food, wine, and ambiance, Clayton curates the coolest table questions and invites the whole dinner party to join in on a collective conversation. The questions are often “deep” in some capacity and it’s a way to connect with the people around you and learn more about who they really are, what makes them tick, where they come from, or what they’re struggling with. I always leave dinners feeling inspired and connected.

On Career

Tell us about a project you are currently working on:

My main focus at the moment is indie filmmaking! I am an actor, producing partner, and story-by creator of Lady Kings of Texas, a dark comedy feature about women's rights set to film in the Texas hill country this year. I love using art as a vehicle for social change. I hope to utilize the power of comedy to talk about divisive topics - women’s rights, reproductive justice and more. This project came from a group of women with a collective love of comedy and a strong desire to make art that matters. You can learn more at www.ladykingsoftexas.com. 

What is the biggest challenge you're currently working to overcome?

I am beyond blessed and privileged. There is so much happening in the world and I think my biggest on-going challenge (and opportunity), is to acknowledge my own privilege and learn more about how my presence in the world affects others, how I can be of service to my community, how I can learn more from others, and how I can walk in the world and continually seek out my blind spots.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

Oh there are so many words from so many amazing people in my life! Most recently, it’s been: “Let it be easy.” My dear friend and partner in Lady Kings of Texas, Kenneisha Thompson, tells our team that frequently. When we are trudging through indie filmmaking, stressing out, forcing something, whatever it may be, Kenneisha reminds us to “let it be easy.” And I’m reminded that joy and gratitude is a choice.

What is your superpower... in business or otherwise?

I think my superpower is comedy, or, play. I try not to let myself get too far from my inner child and try to have fun, crack a joke, find the funny, or whatever it may be. Life is hard and laughter makes it a little easier, even if it’s just a momentary break from the chaos!

On Art

What type of art or artists are you gravitating towards right now?

I cannot get enough color. I crave art that is bright and positive and puts me in an uplifting mood. I’m forever inspired by Howardena Pindell. I love Matt Kleberg’s work, as well as Lily Stockman. Most recently, we got the coolest ceramic piece by an artist named Anabel Juárez represented by Anat Ebgi who does glazed ceramic flower works. It’s a bunch of bright orange poppies in a dark green vase.

What galleries or museums do you love to visit in Austin, Jackson, or beyond?

My favorite gallery in Jackson is Maya Frodeman. Not only is Maya one of the kindest and coolest humans, she curates the most lovely works. In Austin, I love going to the Contemporary! Outside of that, East Austin Studio Tour is one of my favorites. And I love Creative Action’s Color Squad murals. Color Squad is a collective of teen artists that design and implement public art that addresses a need in the community. Also, Glenstone Modern Art Museum in Maryland knocked my socks off, I have credit to my sister Caitlin for introducing me

Where are you most creative in your life?

I try to bring a little creativity into everything I do, but most recently it’s been in my social media content. I love making silly comedic sketches that people can relate to. When I’m making content on my own it takes me right back to being a kid - I used to make cooking videos with my best friend Katie when we were in elementary school. We would  record ourselves pretending to be crazy characters on a cooking show. Just full-on imaginary play and silliness!

On Travel

Which destination is at the top of your bucket list right now?

There are so many places I want to go! Internationally I would say New Zealand has been at the top of my list for many years for a hiking trip. More locally, I’m craving a West Texas trip! I went to Chinati Hot Springs last summer for my sister's birthday and it was the most lovely and relaxing trip. Totally unplugged, no cell phones. It was perfect.

What kind of souvenirs do you bring back from your travels?

I love chewing gum, so no matter where I go, I’m always finding local gum to test out! Outside of that, it’s typically Knick knacks for my kiddos or skincare from any spa I can find.

What is one item you have to have in your bag at all times?

I am an accumulator so there are a few staples: eye drops, gum, SPF, and gloss!