We were lucky to catch up with Kristine Cooper recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kristine , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’ve love to hear an interesting investment story – what was one of the best or worst investments you’ve made? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment I have made in my career has been to focus on creating. As a small independent artist it is easy to get caught up in the advice and what everyone else is doing. I became very scattered trying to do everything early on in my art career. The result was a lack of paintings and real work to show for the months that had passed. Since then, I have found that when I focus on making new art good things blossom naturally without force.

Kristine , 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 felt the calling to be a full-time artist since I was in college, and built my skill level to go that direction starting in 2020. Today I create large scale artworks as a way of processing life, healing and expressing my emotions. Every painting I create embodies a story, and when I am at art shows I’ve experienced how the world interacts with my work. It’s a visceral, emotional reaction because I am pouring my emotion into the art and the energy is felt by those who come to see it.

My artwork is like a visual diary that I get to share with the world. I feel fulfilled and alive every day that I get to wake up and create. This dream didn’t come easy, and I lacked the support of my family. At the end of the day I couldn’t continue abandoning my dreams, and I am so grateful for the support I have received since beginning my art journey.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In spring of last year I wanted to quit. I wanted to quit making art because I had a terrible couple of months and I was losing inspiration. I was anxious about the future, and I didn’t know if people were going to continue to support my art. What is often not seen on the beautiful instagram images are the tough times, but the difficult moments are really where I’ve carved out my true belonging.

For the past 12 months I’ve decided to not focus on the future, or let the anxiety grip me in the same way. I’ve been practicing radical self care, kind self talk, and slowing down. This change in mindset has literally changed my entire eco-system. I’ve been blown away by the support and amazing people I’ve met this year. There have been a LOT of dances after artwork sales, and a tremendous amount of self work to realize that my worth is not associated with how well my art is doing. It’s still a work in process but I am genuinely happy today and glad I stuck with the hard times.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The moment someone connects with my work I feel so rewarded. I don’t care if someone purchases or if they just want to hang out with the art, I love seeing the eyes of people light up as they interact with the paintings. It is like an invisible thread, no one can see why the art is speaking or who it is speaking to, but we can feel it. Each painting holds that magic and it drives me to keep creating when I see the connection spark.

Contact Info:

• Website: cooperartandabode.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cooperartandabode/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooperartandabode

Image Credits
Noah Nigel Photography