We were lucky to catch up with Kristin Boyer recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kristin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I studied fine art with a concentration in printmaking at Baylor University and graduated in the spring of 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. With the guidance of my printmaking professor and mentor, Kyle Chaput, I practiced printmaking processes such as woodblock relief, screenprinting, intaglio, and lithography. Alongside printmaking, I also took various painting, fabric surface design, and sculpture classes. I am currently studying printmaking at the University of North Texas as a Master of Fine Arts candidate
I do not think there was any way to speed up my learning process. I believe I actually sped up the process by learning from a professor who is a professional printmaker that is also well-versed in all printmaking techniques.
One of the essential skills I learned is how to problem-solve on the fly when something isn’t working correctly and needs adjusting. There are multiple factors that can go wrong while creating prints that will result in issues with the image so it is important to know when and how to make corrections and adjustments.
One main obstacle to learning more is that when I do not have access to a print studio with all the necessary equipment, it is difficult or impossible to create certain types of prints.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a Texas-based artist who designs and produces fine art prints primarily through relief and screenprinting. I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in printmaking and also a Japanese minor from Baylor University in the Spring of 2021. Currently, I am a Master of Fine Arts candidate with a concentration in printmaking at the University of North Texas.
My work primarily focuses on the introduction of Japanese symbols to western audiences through visual media we grew up with such as video games, television, trading cards, etc. This interest began when my sister and I collected Japanese trading cards as kids. I was fascinated by the shapes that construct the symbols. I would repeatedly draw them even though I did not understand their meaning or how they were read at the time. Within my work, the block-like symbols represent curiosity and also the desire to deconstruct and reconfigure the symbols into various shapes and configurations.
Over the past few years, my work has been accepted to multiple national and international exhibitions such as the 2022 Surface Impressions International Juried Print Exhibition in Lincoln, Nebraska, and the 2022 USU Paper and Clay National Juried Exhibition in Logan, Utah.
Along with displaying work at galleries and exhibitions, I also run a small business, KNB Prints, where I sell prints and other artwork I make. Over the past few years, I have used both printmaking and sewing skills I have learned to create fabric wall-hanging prints. These have become the most popular items I sell at markets and conventions.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I think having the ability to create artwork that brings joy not only to myself but also to other people is one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist.
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.
One thing I have noticed that non-creatives may struggle to understand is that even though I truly enjoy creating art, there are times it can be physically and mentally draining. I have found pursuing art as a career is much different than just enjoying it as a hobby. So for me, it sometimes makes it difficult to just draw for fun.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kristin_boyer/