KIRSTEN

What activities/art-form did you pick up as a kid that shaped you into the artist you are today? In what way do YOU think it shaped you?

“Growing up felt like I was always doing something. It changed a lot over the years though. My grandma is a piano teacher so that was a big part, but I also did dance, gymnastics, soccer, and field hockey. I think everything helped shape me into who I am, being involved with a variety of things really helped me find what I love to do and what I’m passionate about. I never really felt like any of the things I did were MY things, so I kept trying and failing until I explored Photography.”

Were you picked on as a child? If so how ? How do you think that affected your life today as an artist?

“I don’t think I was picked on in a stereotypical way. Early on I formed really strong connections with some really amazing people that 100% impacted me as artist and just as a person. Pretty quickly I realized that kids can be brutally mean to anyone who is different from them. This has stuck with me my whole life and has definitely made me more empathetic than not. As I got older the way I was picked on changed to a more personal note. People would say anything they could just to get a reaction from me. I didn’t really hold back and never let anyone dictate my beliefs or what I stood up for, but it was exhausting. From age 12-16 I felt like I was fighting to tell my story and the only thing people cared about was the BS that people would whisper during class. As a photographer, I had to let go of the idea that peoples perception of you is not the reality, its helped me connect with some of the coolest people and make some amazing art.”

What daily activity makes you feel most connected to your hands within your Art-form ?

“Either when I’m taking random pictures on my phone or when I’m stretching/working out. I feel very present when I’m doing both of those things and have the opportunity to appreciate things that aren’t normally at the top of mind. Recently I took a printmaking course which was very tactile process. I really enjoyed it because I was able to step away from the screen for once and actually make physical art.”

What do you appreciate most about how YOUR art makes you feel ?

“Pretty straight forward but I love the feeling of having complete control of the narrative. So often people don’t get to accurately depict themselves or share what they want to. Being a photographer allows me to tell the story and pick what stories I want to share. It really is such a special thing watching someone flourish or bringing an idea to life when you just stop listening to what people are telling you to do.”

What pushes you to be a better artist today ?

“As a student, I have fought a lot with this. While it is true that other artists and art pushes and inspires me, I wouldn’t say that’s the number one thing. As most people my age do, I struggle a lot with comparing myself or my art to others. It’s terrible and it can be the death of creativity. I had to change my thought process so I didn’t get burnt out. Recently I push myself to be better, I’m so proud of everything I make, but Im always looking for ways I could enhance, change, or push my work to make it the best it can be.”

BONUS QUESTIONS.

Do you have any tattoos ? If so, which is your favorite and why ?

“My favorite piece is without a doubt my Medusa. While she is already representative for so much, there is so many layers to this tattoo and tells part of my story beautifully. I also LOVE the community that it brings. If literally anyone comments on it, I immediately want to stop what I am doing and have a conversation with them.”

Who is your favorite family member and why ?

“Everyone who knows me knows it’s my Dad. We are damn near the same person. It’s not even our sense of humor, looks, or  interests that make us so similar. Everything from how we handle situations and what makes us sad to our daily vocabulary, me and that man are one and the same. I’m so lucky that I have such an amazing relationship with him and forever grateful for it.”

What are your favorite pair of shoes/boots, and why ?

“My Harley boots are so important to me, probably a little too much, but I don’t care and I doubt I will ever get rid of them.  I’ve always preferred boots and typically gravitated towards Docs, mostly because they are a staple and generally high quality. But the Harley boots are my first pair of shoes that I’ve grown attached too. A lot of that is because of how much I have done in those boots and how long I’ve had them but I do think part of it is because of I feel when I wear them. It brings me a sense of comfort and security, I get the same feeling when I wear my favorite sweatshirt or hat too.”

What GROUNDS you ?

“LIVE MUSIC!!!!! I love everything about it. I love everything about music and so many different genres, but there is literally no feeling like being at a live show. My dad is the biggest concert junkie I know and I am lucky enough to have that passed down to me. Similarly, I thrive when Im at a music festival. There is something so special about the people and culture surrounding festivals and being there gives me a feeling that I can’t get from anything else. There is not a day that goes by that I wouldn’t rather be at a concert.”

Favorite quote ? Why ?

“May my life be as beautiful as my death” I started saying this when I was really struggling, back in 2019. I had finally started trauma therapy and had so many emotions coming up. I felt guilty because I hated my life, even though it was filled with so many amazing and beautiful things. After a while my perspective finally started switching and that’s when the quote really became a mantra of sorts for me.”