The pieces in her collection are what MSNBC talk show host Chris Hayes calls “exuberant altarpieces for the revolution.” Crabapple herself describes her work, and that of others working during the Occupy Movement's heyday, as, “art out of the gallery and into the streets, into life. I hope it presented an alternative, a good strong alternative to detached, ironic uber-expensive art whose primary purpose is to fill up an oligarch's loft.” Crabapple largely opposes the way that art has become a discipline which seems to require an expensive post-secondary degree and connections to established art dealers. While she has respect for those who have pursued higher education in the arts, Crabapple argues that you don't need an MFA to be successful. You can also carve your own path as a working and profitable artist—in much the same way that she took responsibility for both the creative and business side of her own career.
In her keynote speeches, she encourages others to blaze their own trail. She shares her own experiences to show audiences how they can use their art to make a statement and speak out about things they want to change in the world. She also teaches us that the art world is changing and that being successful means making things happen for yourself. Don't wait for someone to open a door for you that you could easily open for yourself, she says, and, perhaps most importantly, never ask for permission when it comes to achieving your goals.
