Kristen Robinson is a mixed media artist who creates jewelry, works with textiles, paints and creates collage. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising with a degree in Visual Marketing as well as from Southern Oregon University with a degree in Art. Kristen is a Director’s Circle Artist for Somerset Studio, Bonne Vivante for Somerset Life and a regular contributor to the whole Stampington family of publications. Her book, Tales of Adornment, will publish in July 2011.
Q: What’s your current favorite, can’t-live-without-it tool?
A: My bamboo calligraphy pen as I use it for writing, painting, creating indentations in resin and pushing paper into wee corners.
Q: What is your least favorite technique that you still use anyway?
A: Honestly I do not have one as if I do not like it or it does not work for me I get rid of it. Materials wise I cannot stand etching solution or liver of sulfur however both reside in my studio.
Q: What is on your workspace right now (physical objects)?
A: Filled bezels, my long to do list, an external hard drive, my sons photo, color pencils, Hello Kitty (from Japan), sugared rose petals and an empty Dutch Brothers coffee cup.
Q: With whom would you love to spend one day making art?
A: I would have loved to have been in the presence of Joseph Cornell however if I was choosing a living artist I would adore a day with Richard Tuttle as I am beyond fascinated with his artwork.
Q: What’s the best book you’ve read lately?
A: I just re-read Love Letters of Great Men—swoon. While most of my new books are on my iPad I cannot resist purchasing favorites in print.
Q: What’s the most inspiring trip you’ve ever taken or adventure you’ve ever had?
A: A trip to Morocco, which was so full of sights, sounds, smells and incredible images, that remain with me today- it was the adventure of a lifetime.
Q: What’s the last thing you cooked?
A: Cherry Cobbler
Q: Do you have a talisman/power garment/ magical thing you wear?
A: When traveling I never leave home without my beloved bracelet my Love gifted me with.
Q: What one thing do you want to do that you haven’t done yet?
A: I would love to travel on a Safari as well as participate in the walking tour of Jane Austen’s life.
Q: If you could surround yourself with only one color, what would it be?
A: Crème’ – hence my favorite shelf.
Q: What’s the best day you’ve ever had?
A: This is a tie between getting married and giving birth to our darling son both days full of divinity and delight.
Q: What’s today’s Word to Live By?
A: Grace
Q: What is your guilty pleasure?
A: Sushi, sushi and more sushi
Q: What do you listen to when you create?
A: My iPod varies from classical to 80’s music typically the classical is playing when I am creating romantic pieces however when working on art I kick things up a bit and let’s just say it can get loud in the studio.
Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
A: I would love to rid people of self-doubt.
Q: When is your favorite time of day?
A: I adore the moment the sun meets the sky—sunrise is truly the best moment when all are greeting the dawn of day together.
Q: If you could re-do a classic movie, what would you remake and how?
A: I would redo Gone With the Wind and change the ending the moment Rhett walks away from Scarlet has always broken my heart.
Q: What is your first memory?
A: Oh my this is a challenge of a question, I have to say I recall summer days a child playing in my sand box and then dipping into my wee pool followed by warming myself on the pavement I was two.
Q: Why do you make art?
A: This is always a hard question as there is not really one answer. In a nutshell when I do not create I feel as though there is a flood of ideas bottled up within me needing to break free. To summarize it really makes me feel whole and allows me an outlet to release my inner thoughts and feelings.
Q: What’s your best piece of advice for artists?
A: Never doubt yourself, always preserve and listen to your intuition and inner voice.
To follow Kristen on her blog, click here.
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