High Artist Spotlight: The Real Kirstie

The Real Kirstie is an artist from Illinois. She says of her artistic journey: “It's difficult not to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of professional life and being able to find that one thing that allows you to escape from the gloomy parts, allows you to feel good, is worth cherishing.”
We recently caught up with Kirstie after High Art 2022 to learn more about her most recent inspirations:
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Where do you find your creative inspiration?
There is no one thing or concept that inspires me however, objects and themes of my every day life are the rose bud to most of my pieces. I ask myself, how can I take this thing or thought and turn it into something that is impossible to see in the real world
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Why do you do what you do?
I have no obligation to Art, it is purely of my own free will. It is a product of passion and I love the feeling upon completing a complex piece. It allows me to stretch my brains capacity with this creative outlet and makes me feel like I'm doing beyond what is expected, but what I want.
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What art/artist do you most identify with?
Art with a ton of detailed linework and bold art nouveau/art deco styles are impactful for me. Jas Petersen is a local Chicago artist whose achievements are for what I aspire.
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What themes do you pursue the most?
Yin and yang, sci-fi and dreamscapes
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What role does an artist have in society?
An artist, no matter the medium, has a very important role to play within society. Artists prove to the human race that monotonous lifestyles are not a necessity. That there is more than just what is on the surface. Artists role in society is to bring joy, spark inspiration and critique societal "norms". Promote creative and healthy ways to think about life as a whole.
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What is your artistic outlook on life?
There is almost always more than what meets the eye. The realities of our world are just a minor dot on the spectrum of creative possibility.
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What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don't be afraid. I spent too many of my younger years going back and forth on whether or not my artwork was good enough to put out there. At some point I said screw it, if people don't like it I don't care because I do. Turns out - a lot of people like it and I get better with every piece.
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Do you listen to music while you are creating? If yes, tell us your favorite song and artist.
Sometimes but not always. When I do, the music typically collaborates with the mood of the drawing I am working on. The Dreamland album by Glass Animals is a solid go-to when I'm feeling creative.
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What's the best thing about being an artist?
Freedom! There is no quota to hit, no rules to follow and no one controlling the process.
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What is your dream project?
An outdoor mural. I want to paint something huge for everyone to see.
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