Daily Inspiration: Meet Kristy Kurjan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristy Kurjan

Hi Kristy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have had a passion for creating my entire life- from a young age I was painting rocks to sell and setting up shop sewing scrunchies, I was selling home-made slime to the neighborhood kids, mixing glue and Borax back in the early 90″s long before Pintrest. I have always found joy making original items that bring happiness to others. As a child, I loved expressing myself through my art and spent hours painting, drawing, and doing mixed media projects. After a career in media, getting married, moving multiple states, having three kids, and writing/producing four baby books, I was finally able to devote my career to my lifelong passion, art.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have always struggled with truly embracing my talents as a more than hobby, but a creative busness. Throughout the years I have learned that if I find joy in sharing art that others will enjoy it too, and that is what drives me. I can’t express how happy it makes me when I see a piece of my original artwork on the walls of someone’s beautiful home.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an intuitive abstract artist, I specialize in large scale paintings incorporating texture, color, and mixed techniques in my works of art. Water and nature are both huge inspirations to me, as I am based out of Traverse City, Michigan, which is surrounded by Lake Michigan and numerous small lakes, rivers and forests. My passion lies in the process of creating art that evokes emotion and brings joy to others. Water, landscapes, and organic beauty are often depicted in my works. In addition to painting, I authored and published four books and written for numerous publications. My board book titles include: I Spy… A Pig in A Plane, Nap-a-Roo, Dream Sweet Dreams, and The Many Ways to Say I Love You. I am constantly inspired to try out new techniques and projects- So, keep an eye on my website kpocreative.com and instagram @KPOcreative_art to see what I do next!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Absolutely, Covid-19 was one of the many catalysts that convinced me to take my creativity to the next level. When I’m working at my best, I am in a state of flow and mediation. I listen to meditative music and tones while creating. I realized that working on art in a meditative state was healthy and inspiring to me. I wanted to do it more often. The pandemic was a great reminder to slow down, have gratitude, enjoy family, appreciate our health, and be in the moment. I try to embrace that philosophy everyday, although somedays are harder than others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kpocreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kpocreative_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KPOcreative
• Email: kristy.kurjan@gmail.com
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00L1TXZ56/about