We recently connected with Kristine Fisher and have shared our conversation below.

Kristine, 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?

My earlier career with global design leader Herman Miller was foundational from both a design perspective and confidence perspective.

I was always in business development that involved strategic risk-taking which has helped me now to give myself permission to take more risks with my art making but also with the promotional efforts of getting my work into galleries, etc.. The influence of those many years has played out in terms of business best practices, learning from being outside of my comfort zone and gaining confidence from it.

Embracing risk is essential for my growth as an artist and human being.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I enjoy making art that stimulates the senses. It is the root of my inspiration working as a contemporary visual artist in mixed media and photography. I am deeply influenced by the coastal environs of living close to the sea in New England, my ever evolving garden, and my emotions that I bring to a piece in the moment of putting that first mark down on paper.

Photography, for me, is about attempting to capture the feeling of the briefest moment. Traveling and learning from other cultures is foundational for me. I enjoy creating a “sense of place” by weaving a narrative that focuses on the discovery of “off the grid“ locations.

From the time I was very young. I remember having an acute sense of place, from the art on the walls to the furniture, to how I felt in a given space. I was always creating…. from finger painting, to collage, to creating jewelry using recycled flip tops from cans in psychedelic colors…..to deigning clothes. Designing and creating was my “happy place” and still is. I am reminded that all of us are born artists and it is our conformity that can taint that.

I enjoyed an extensive career working with global design leader, Herman Miller which has strongly influenced the graphic simplicity of my work. I am drawn to sculptural elements, movement, and texture and am always pleased when I see a trace of Asian influence that occassionally seeps into my work having attended high school in Bangkok, Thailand.

Going to museums and “being a champion of Artists” is in my DNA. I am an early charter member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington DC. and have served on multiple boards. From 2020 to 2023 I co-produced Cape Ann ARTWaves dedicated to conversations with talented Artists and Makers. The program was conceived with a mission of providing uplifting stories and inspiration during these recent uncertain times. The 75 video interviews are now under the stewardship of the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, Massachusetts, to educate current and future generations.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In my former role with Herman Miller, I worked across the company with many partners which included product designers, marketing and sales teams in multiple markets. It was the perfect marriage of business and design. I am a hybrid and while I thrive in that sweet spot I have also had to learn how to lean into giving up control and fly by my wits, trusting my instincts in a different way! It is thrilling to just let go and be open to new possibilities. I have learned that with a fresh perspective and renewed energy I can, with luck, turn a creative challenge into an exciting, unexpected discovery!.

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

Making art brings me the closest to my “sense of self”. I thrive in that moment of putting down my first mark. It requires me to show up and to let the work be what it wants to be. I internalize an experience or something visual and express it, experimenting with ideas, materials, compositon, and solving problems. I am attracted to the discovery of what a work might be and when it all comes together it is those unexpected magical moments that thrill. Each work relfects my curiosity, sense of adventure, and emotion.

I feel enriched by creating connectivity through the arts. Learning from and particpating with other artists, engaging with viewers whether it be with those that have attended my exhibitions, purchased my work, or offered support along the way.

Foundational for me is helping to elevate the opportunity to learn from others on a community level. I like to work as a catalyst in this way. My work as a Co-Producer of Cape Ann ARTWaves, along with serving on the leadership committee of the New England Experimental Art Group combined with past board roles of area cultural organizations all are critical to my passion for creating a vibrant community and economy.

Contact Info:

• Website: kristinefisher.com
• Instagram: @kristinefishervisualartist