Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kristin Thorsen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kristin, thanks for joining us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?
I am incredibly happy as an artist and can’t imagine doing anything else. Being creative isn’t just my career, it’s who I am at my core. I’m extremely
grateful not to have a regular 9-5 office job. As an artist, I get to be my own
boss, set my own hours, work independently, and avoid rote responsibilities. I
always have new and exciting projects or commissions on my plate, along
with a large variety of tasks to keep me engaged. While I’m sure regular jobs
have their perks, I thrive on the freedom, versatility, and constant inspiration
that comes with being a full-time artist. I occasionally wonder what it might be
like to have a more traditional job, but know in my heart I could never be as
happy or fulfilled doing anything other than creating. I feel tremendously lucky
to have found my true passion in life.
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?
My journey into becoming a professional artist was unexpected and came after an injury derailed my original career plans. In high school, I excelled at
soccer and hoped to play in college and beyond. But during a major scouting
event, I broke my leg badly trying to show off and ended up facing possible
amputation due to complications. Facing the loss of my leg made me
reevaluate my goals. With a family legacy of creativity – my mother is a gifted
artist – I decided to pursue art, despite it not being a typical career fallback
plan.
After graduating from the Atlanta College of Art in 2004, which included an
arts exchange program in Finland, I started showing my work in local Atlanta
galleries and breaking into the juried art festival circuit in 2005. Architectural
abstract paintings were my initial focus. Over time, while architecture
remained an ongoing theme, my style evolved into the colorful, joyful mixed
media collage art I create today, incorporating text, textures, 3D elements of
wood, metal and felt. I take pride in the authenticity and singular artistic voice
expressed through my work and process. My goal with each new piece is to
showcase meticulous craftsmanship and archival materials that will allow the
art to endure. I want potential clients to know that I pour tremendous care and
effort into every commission to produce unique, high-quality creations they’ll
cherish.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
There are many ways society can support creatives, artists, and a thriving creative ecosystem. It starts small – seeking out and purchasing from local
independent artists, whether at art fairs, galleries, or boutiques. Actively
follow, like and share local artists and arts events on social media. Look to
support them year-round, not just during gift-giving seasons. Local
governments and businesses should provide grants, public art projects, and
promotion opportunities to area artists and arts organizations. I’m fortunate to
live in a community with an excellent local arts alliance that spotlights local
talent and facilitates a robust creative scene. Grassroots promotion of artists
within neighborhoods and cities, paired with institutional support in the form of
funding and projects, can help validate artists’ contributions and nurture a
vibrant arts culture. Value creatives for the beauty, perspective, and
innovative vision they offer. A society that uplifts its artists at the hyperlocal
level helps sustain a thriving creative ecosystem on a broader scale.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Two major turning points forced me to pivot in my artistic career – becoming a mother and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Early on, I was laser-
focused on honing my craft, exhibiting my work, and establishing my artistic
voice. Then I had my daughter, whose wellbeing suddenly relied on me for
everything. The lack of affordable childcare meant a dramatic reduction in the
unlimited time I’d previously devoted to my art. For 4-5 years, while invaluable,
parenting severely constrained my creative output. Once my daughter began
school, I jumped back into the studio full-time to make up for lost time. Still, I
had to carefully carve out pockets for art between school hours, after her
bedtime, and on weekends. Just as I regained momentum, the pandemic hit,
putting childcare front and center once again. This challenge forced me to
further prioritize and find efficient ways to sustain my creative practice amidst
ongoing caretaking responsibilities. Though difficult, these pivots ultimately
made me a more flexible, resilient artist able to nurture my career alongside
other important life roles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thorsenart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thorsenart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063714214024
Image Credits
Kristin Thorsen