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

Kristin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I take risks all the time in my studio practice. I love a challenge and believe that in order is grow and succeed you must take risks and fail. It is through those failures that we learn. But the biggest risk I’ve taken was the decision to stop working my 9-5 and pursue my art career full time. This was scary. I was a long-term art substitute teacher for Baltimore County Public Schools. This had been my job for 18 years. In 2019 I found myself juggling my job, raising my 2 children and coping with being the caretaker for my father, who had dementia. On top of that, I had just left a 25-year marriage. You might not think that this was the ideal time to choose a new path, but I can now say that it was the best risk I’ve ever taken. With my newfound autonomy I reached out to a business coach. I’ve been a practicing artist for 30 years and for the first time in my life, I was taking it seriously. Business doesn’t always come easily to artists. It’s not necessarily a natural skill set for us. But with the help of my business coach I have been able to identify my audience, prioritize my time, and understand basic business models. In doing so, I’ve learned how to reach out to perspective collectors, gallerists, and supporters. This year I’ve hosted virtual artist talks via Zoom and Open Studio events. And my sales are up! Through the encouragement of my coach I’ve become an enthusiastic self promoting artist with a confident outlook. I took a very big risk by leaving my job to pursue my art career and it has opened a wonderful opportunity for me to thrive and succeed.

Kristin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Baltimore based interdisciplinary abstract artist. I’ve been painting in oils and watercolors for 30 years and recently started working in printmaking and collage as well. I graduated from Kutztown University in 1996 with a BFA degree with a concentration in painting. I participate in gallery exhibitions and sell my original artwork. Most of the artwork I sell is to individuals for their homes. It makes me proud to know that someone wants to spend time with my art and connect with it on a daily basis. Art give us immeasurable personal and social benefits. Art reminds us that we are not alone and that we share a universal human experience. Having my artwork in people’s homes is like being a guest or a member of the family. I feel appreciated and understood. Growing up as a learning disabled student I felt misunderstood and forgotten. Art became an escape for me at a young age. Turning to art as a means of self expression and allowed me to be seen for my abilities. I believe that having Dyslexia has cultivated my creativity and determination to succeed. Abstraction is my language and when someone can understand and connect with it it inspires me to pursue my purpose.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think non-creatives may have trouble understanding that each artist has their own process and that even if they are not in their studio, they are probably working things out in their heads. Some artists spend a lot of time thinking creatively and expend a lot of mental energy. Art isn’t easy. It can be emotionally and physically exhausting.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

For me, The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when someone connects with my work. In 2019 I was in a two person show in Baltimore. Weeks after the opening reception I ran into someone who was there. She told me that my work affected her so much and was so powerful that she had to walk away from it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristinannfuller.com/
• Instagram: @kristinannfuller
• Facebook: Kristin Ann Fuller

Image Credits
Robert Sullivan (images 2, 3, 4, & 7 only)