KrisTs Art: Artist Bio

KrisTs Art, also known as KrisT, has been immersed in the world of art from a young age. Growing up surrounded by creativity, KrisT’s early artistic endeavors were nurtured by her auntie's ceramic studio and her grandmother's drawing lessons. This familial influence laid a strong foundation, igniting a lifelong passion for art.

KrisT’s  professional journey as an artist began on the Big Island of Hawaii, where she was invited to participate in a group show at the prestigious Wyland Gallery in Kona. This pivotal moment, supported by her family's encouragement, provided the confidence boost she needed to pursue her artistic dreams. KrisT’s father, in a touching gesture of support, anonymously purchased her highest-priced painting, solidifying her belief in her talent and potential.

A self-taught artist, KrisT primarily works with acrylics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she discovered a new medium: upcycled surfboards. KrisT and her partner TiMo began de-waxing and reshaping broken boards, transforming them into stunning pieces of art. Her series "Surfing Through the Decades" captures the essence of each era from the 1950s to the present, and she now has a waitlist for custom boards. KrisT’s dedication to preventing surfboards from ending up in landfills aligns with her environmental consciousness, adding a spiritual dimension to her work.

KrisT’s  style is deeply rooted in surf and ocean themes, a reflection of her passion for water and its calming influence. Despite a brief foray into desert-themed art, her heart remains with the sea. Her technique has evolved significantly with the introduction of digital tools like Procreate, enhancing the realism in her paintings.

In 2016, Kristin was the featured artist at Wyland Gallery's First Thursday Art Walk in Laguna Beach, a milestone that marked her emergence as a professional artist. That same year, she began teaching art in social settings, using her skills to raise awareness for causes such as breast cancer research. Her large-scale mural at Anaheim Gardenwalk, measuring 26 feet wide by 14 feet high, stands as a testament to her ability to tackle ambitious projects with success.

KrisT’s  artwork has been showcased in Palm Desert, Laguna Beach, and the Hermosa Beach Art Festival. She has twice participated in the Best of the West gallery shows at Wyland Gallery. In 2021, KrisT became a certified therapeutic art coach, incorporating practices like art journaling and vision boards into her daily life and business.

One of KrisT’s proudest achievements is her surfboard painting. Each piece tells a unique story, often connected to the surfers who once rode the boards. This personal connection and commitment to sustainability make her work particularly meaningful. Her latest custom surfboard, destined for a client in Arizona, exemplifies her reach and impact.

Looking to the future, KrisT aspires to establish galleries in Hawaii and California and to mentor emerging artists, sharing her passion and expertise with the next generation.

Accomplishments

• Featured Artist: Wyland Gallery's First Thursday Art Walk, Laguna Beach (2016)

• Mural: Anaheim Gardenwalk, 26 feet wide by 14 feet high, completed in 22 days

• Exhibitions: Palm Desert, Laguna Beach, Hermosa Beach Art Festival

• Best of the West: Twice featured in gallery shows at Wyland Gallery

• Therapeutic Art Coach: Certified in 2021, integrating therapeutic practices into daily life and business

• Environmental Art: Upcycled surfboards series, "Surfing Through the Decades"

• Community Engagement: Art instructor for social and corporate events, raising awareness for breast cancer research through large-scale painting events