Kristen’s painting practice includes collaboration with natural materials such as earth pigments and plant dyes, non-toxic binders and raw surfaces. Using paints they create mindfully and patiently from these materials, their whole practice from start to finish is a meditation on deep relationship, observing as subtle experiences such as fleeting emotions and memories are brought into into physical form. Sometimes, non-verbal communication is the strongest form of channeling. Kristen considers their art not abstract, but representational. A peaceful visual language of simple shapes and colors is expressed in each one of Kristen’s paintings, emerging through spontaneity, trust, and intuition. Their process is most influenced by spiritual connections between earth, water, light, body, and mind.

About this collection:
In a time that is very unpredictable, I turn to two things, grids and plants. Grids create repetition and reliability, and plants soothe us away from the artificial and remind us of our interconnectedness with nature. Summer Grids is a series of paintings and also a contemplation for healing consciousness. The process of each piece was a meditation at the intersection of predictability and spontaneity. From dyeing raw canvas with botanical dyes, to painting them with paints I mix myself from plant and mineral inks, to staining the frames with them, my process is rooted in deepening relationship with nature as many of these plants were foraged from where I live. This relationship is strengthened by creating patterned compositions, allowing me to experience each color and shape repetitively. I start with a simple grid of one shape and no plans. The grid feels calming and certain, but the rest unfolds without logical reason, as new shapes emerge immediately in response. The process therefore braids my need for predictability with the space for the unknown and the inevitable nature of moment-by-moment impulse. The result is imperfect within perfect intentions, which is distinctively human