ABOUT
Artist Statement and Bio
“Creating is a vital part of my existence and art allows me to connect with others through a broad range of entry points of both history and materials; specifically traditional oil paints and modern mixed media, abstraction, collage, and representational elements. My art encourages people to reflect on the things we have in common while acknowledging and embracing our unique stories and pasts.”
Kirsten K is a lifelong artist living in Port Perry, Ontario. Her love of art starts as early as she can remember, with an incessant need to wake up early and quietly create at the kitchen table while her family could sleep until at least sunrise. Although she wanted to take on an art career, being an English major, History minor and pursuing instrumental music qualifications for elementary school teaching seemed to be a secure career course and offered some degree of creativity. However, while on maternity leave and after nearly a decade of teaching, she decided to finally harness her artistic inclination and focus her efforts on creating artwork that reflected her true passion.
Kirsten uses mixed media techniques including collage, inks, acrylics, charcoal, graphite and gold leaf to create abstract backgrounds while completing the piece in a more realistic subject matter with the intensity of oil paints. Combining the two techniques, along with abstract realism, most accurately communicates the various entry points of connection we have with each other as a people. She enthusiastically shares “My art encourages people to reflect on the things that we have in common while acknowledging and exploring our unique stories and pasts.”
The current series Kirsten is working through focuses on a nostalgic nod to traditions passed down from generation to generation through the animal kingdom and music. There is a developing burst of light emerging from depths of darkness –both of which cannot exist without the other. The pieces encourage the viewer to contribute to the solution, rather than dwell on the problem; to let positivity shine through and let love in.
Her work has been exhibited in several juried shows and galleries, as well as held in private collections across North America and Japan. After meeting her musician husband and having three wonderfully spirited boys, Kirsten finds herself in a space of endless possibility and creativity. She usually manages daily studio time and aside from art enjoys gardening, camping, kickboxing, jogging and playing piano.