We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristi Grussendorf a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kristi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve always done art. My mom was an artist and studied to be an art teacher so she practiced with me. My siblings & I played drawing games in the car. As a grade schooler, I was photographed drawing my “famous” cartoons for the local newspaper. Because I loved it and identified as an artist, I insisted on getting my BFA before starting a family. It wasn’t until my youngest was in third grade when I felt that strong pull again. His teacher, Heidi VanErt (an artist, herself) encouraged my artistic pursuit and recommended a book – The Artists’ Way by Julia Cameron. I read it, did the exercises and, I think, that was the start of honoring my desire to create whether I was ever able to make a living at it or not. It kind of “gave me permission” to pursue what I had thought was a self-indulgent “hobby.” My original goal wasn’t to make money but just to do it and get better at it. Art and the process of creating is valuable whether or not it is recognized as such by society.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Wow, this is a BIG question! I guess I’ll start with my webpage where my artist statement can be found: https://kristigrussendorf.com/

One of my most favorite accomplishments was when my painting received the Director’s Award at the TWSA (Transparent Watercolor Society Association). I think the reason was because it was an award chosen by the board, a group of professional watercolorists (my peers). It just meant more than many of the other awards I’ve received over the years. Plus, TWSA is a purist group (no opaque color is allowed, only the traditional transparent medium). Another high point was getting signature status in AWS (American Watercolor Society). One year my painting not only got an award but was on a poster advertising the exhibition at the historic Salmagundi Club in New York City!

I’ve never had to be the primary wage earner in my family which has allowed more freedom than many other artists. I can pick & chose my teaching engagements and I’ve never had to think first about what is marketable. This is pretty fortunate considering I suck at marketing and laugh any time someone asks about my “brand!” The fact is, I don’t want anyone to own any of my art if it doesn’t speak to them and they don’t love it. Every time I paint, it feels fresh and authentic. I’ve never relied on gimmicks or set “steps” in my process. And, I feel like I honor the medium by not trying to always control it. I’ve always been good at recognizing the gifts of others and acknowledge excellence when I see it. I think that extends to the painting process itself. If the paint does something fun on its own, I recognize it and embrace it even if it wasn’t my intention or plan. I’m also proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone by experimenting with different genres. Non objective pieces are quite challenging for me since I can’t rely on my drawing ability. And, although I’ve been a bit of a transparent snob in the past, I have learned to enjoy experimenting with opaque colors.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think a lot of people believe you’re either artistic or not, you’re born with the “gift” or not. Art is visual language and like any language, there are rules that need to be learned (not always followed, once learned!), skills practiced and time devoted to learning and getting better. My professors in college stressed the idea of a “body of work.” Even for the “self taught,” there are resources that need to be used, materials understood, theories about color, rhythm, balance, etc., other artists to be emulated, famous works to be studied. We seem to live in a time where expertise is dismissed and ridiculed. Especially in art, there are those who believe anyone can do it. Anything goes. Financial success often comes down to marketing, not artistic excellence. I once had a friend tell me that art was totally subjective. She was a writer. There IS a difference between amateur and professional art.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I think NFTs are a scam.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kristigrussendorf.com/
• Instagram: krisgrus
• Facebook: KGrussendorf Fine Art (professional) Kristi Grussendorf (other)
• Other: I guess this is where my lack of skill in this area is revealed! I think I may also be on Linkedin but haven’t signed into that account for ages!

  Also, didn’t realize there were different kinds of FB accounts until I couldn’t add any more “friends” – I’m also not on FB much these days.

Image Credits

May I send some photos at a later date? I have an upcoming appointment with a professional photographer who is also going to help me with “branding.” In the meantime, you are welcome to use any of the photos on my website. If you need a larger file with anything, just let me know.