Kristen is an absolute joy to connect with; she brings creative people together in the most inspiring ways! Get an inside look at her story and get ready to be inspired—I know you’ll enjoy getting to know her just as much as I have!
2024 has been an incredible year of growth for me and my work! I think the biggest realization I’ve had is that not only do I love creating art, I also love to create spaces where people can experience creativity, wonder, and meaningful connection—both with themselves and with others. I recently moved into a new studio space, a 1950s schoolhouse that I’ve been renovating for the last year into a creative haven. I am so excited to have a large studio not only to immerse myself in art making but also to welcome others into this space that is full of possibility! It has brought me so much joy to host artist circles, workshops, and retreats here in Boulder and also abroad through The Creative Soul Retreat. This June, I’ll be hosting another international creative retreat in the English countryside and I can’t wait! There are a few spots remaining for this intimate retreat and you can find all of the details
here. I am looking forward to seeing how my creative community and art practice will continue to grow in the coming year!
From a very early age, I felt a strong pull toward creating art, especially with paint. I was captivated by the textures, marks, and layers that could build up on a canvas, making each piece feel alive. Painting felt so tactile and embodied in the best ways. While I always loved making art, it wasn’t until my 20s—when I worked at a contemporary art gallery—that I began to see a full-time career as an artist as a real possibility. That experience gave me the vision for what I wanted my path in art to look like, and I gained invaluable skills that changed the course of my life. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else!
I don’t think I’ll ever feel truly “settled” in my choice of mediums. Experimentation keeps my studio practice feeling fresh and exciting, so I’m always exploring new materials. Whether it’s oil paint, cyanotype, or acrylic, I like to let each medium guide me rather than forcing it to fit my vision.
My journey with the cyanotype process began as a pandemic project with my daughters, who were three and six at the time. We spent afternoons creating sun prints together, using leaves, fairy cutouts, and little treasures they collected from nature. The process felt magical—like capturing a moment through sunlight—and it quickly became a medium that brings me so much joy. I take a playful, collaborative approach with nature in my cyanotype work, embracing the unique, unpredictable interactions that emerge. Harnessing the power of the sun, I navigate a delicate balance between intention and serendipity, control and surrender. Each piece becomes a conversation between my hands and natural forces, revealing the beauty of letting go and allowing creation to unfold organically.
I love this question about daily rituals! In our society, we often prioritize “structure” and “discipline,” but I believe part of my role as an artist is to bring a deep sense of presence and ritual to daily life. Whether it's waking early for a morning routine or diving into a day of studio work, I find that the more beauty and intention I weave into my spaces, the more inviting they feel, and the fewer creative blocks I experience.
My mornings usually begin with helping my daughters off to school, followed by a quiet moment at home where I sit by the hearth with a beeswax candle and a hot cup of tea. I take a few minutes to stretch, jot down thoughts that are always swirling, read a few pages of non-fiction, and re-center my mind on the intention of the day. Then, after coffee and getting ready, I head to my nearby studio. When I arrive, I pause to breathe in the space, light a favorite candle, and put on instrumental music or a creative podcast to get into the flow. Just the act of beginning a piece or adding a few brushstrokes to another usually pulls me in for hours of painting, as long as my phone stays on silent and out of reach!
Curious to see Kristen’s work up close? She’ll be one of five featured artists in our December 6th Abstract Expressionist Show! Mark your calendar and join
Kristen’s Presale List
for early access!
