Q: Kristina, tell me how your relationship with the visual arts began?
A: I was working as a draftsman for a custom cabinet company and went on a much-needed vacation to Universal Studios. I ended up taking a backstage tour of one of the rides and saw the scale model that they built for the entire ride, including the waiting area. The renderings of what it was going to look like and all plans to build the ride. I took all that in and thought to myself “I could do that and should do that “. I asked the person doing the tour, “Who gets to build these models.” They said engineers and set designers. When I got back from the trip, I immediately researched jobs for set designers. I learned that the Film industry, theaters, and amusement parks hires set designers. So, I found a school near me. I talked to them and asked if what I learn for set design for theater can transfer over to movies and amusement parks. They said yes, and 6 years later (while working and going to school) I graduated and was working on Anchorman 2 while I was taking my last finals. I ruined my 4.0 grade average, but I honestly didn’t care. I had just been on set and was in love with my new career path.
Q: Concerning what set painters do for films, what is something unexpected that you’ve had to do and something you were really proud of?
A: I did not expect that most of the work we did on a show would be blurred out due to close ups. That was a surprise. I then understood why a lot of the people who work on a show don’t actually watch it.
One project I was proud of was painting a woman on the side of a train car. It took some time because painting on corrugated metal is not something I was trained in. But I adapted and she came out beautifully.
Q: People sometimes criticize others for buying art that “goes over the sofa.” What do you think? Should our interiors influence what we buy to hang on our walls? Or should we be art purists and buy what we love no matter where it goes?
A: I think fill the space with what you love. Getting an art collection takes a long time. I started small and bought a bunch of prints to cover my walls. I still have all of them and the only thing that has changed is the frame and matte. A good frame and matte do wonders. I now have a large original piece that is my anchor to all things me. I now decorate my home around this piece, so it influences the interior.
Q: You’re completely brand new to being a Gallerist or Gallery Director. First, how annoying Is the word “gallerist”? And secondly, what inspired you to start this new phase of your life?
A: I just don’t even say it, is that even that a real word????. Well… it kind of just happened. I have been doing some set designs for local theaters here and I love doing that, but I started missing working full time and being around creative people. I was approached to just do sales at the gallery and after I thought about it, I wanted to be more involved and to get to know the artist and help curate what Spoonbill will be. That is what really excited me, so I asked if that was an option and it worked out.
Q: I’ll ask you a bit of a vulnerable question: You don’t have to answer. What part of being a Gallery Director feels overwhelming?
A: The social media is a little daunting, but that is because I have not done a ton. I like a challenge and I am pretty excited now to get creative with it.
Q: Ok. . something fun here. When you met your husband, did you guys immediately hit it off or did it take a minute?
A: Oh that took a minute. I was introduced to him at age 15 and we didn’t start dating till I was 21.
Q: What about being a mom has helped you creatively? And how do you think motherhood has challenged that part of your life?
A: Doing art projects with my daughter is wonderful. I get to relearn and teach her how to tap into her own creative flow while getting to show her mine. The challenge is to not lose your own identity. That’s a tough one.
Q: Do you believe in diet soda?
A: HELL no.
Q: Art Galleries have notoriously been called white boxes, devoid of human interaction, and sterile. How do you feel that Spoonbill Gallery is pushing past that?
A: There is so much life in the artist we have chosen to be a part of Spoonbill. We are trying to create a warm and inviting space that our artist work can thrive in. I want our customers to feel at home and welcomed in our space. I hope our customers want to come in and talk about the art and what draws them into a specific piece. That’s what is fun about running a gallery. You get to talk to the customers and see all the different reactions. But only if they want to talk about it.
Q: I’ve lived in Greenville, SC my entire life. I’ve seen how it’s changed through its many iterations. What was your FIRST impression of Greenville?
A: If Charleston and Asheville had a baby it would be Greenville. I had spent more time in Charleston and Asheville before I moved to Greenville and I was surprised how I saw the similarities from both cities, but Greenville has its own spin on how to live life.
Q: How do you think art makes life better?
A: Color - it’s all about colors for me. My house in Greenville is the first house I’ve ever had all white walls, but it is the most colorful house I’ve ever lived in due to the art on my walls. And of course, some wallpaper. But it’s so vibrant and it makes me happy. I stare at pieces while I drink coffee in the morning and just daydream about the places they represent. Art can be like a good book. You just get swept away in it.
Q: When I first met you, I noticed how tall you and your husband are – how tall are you guys?
A: Me- 5’11 John 6’4
Q: I also felt how both of you were so genuinely authentic. As we have been planning the opening of Spoonbill, one of the things you’ve kept going back to is this idea of being authentic. Why is authenticity so important to you and what advice would you give to an artist who at times feel a bit inauthentic?
A: I am the black sheep of my family. My mom, dad and bother are a lot alike. I struggled with feeling different for a long time. But I found my voice and gained confidence in myself by being true to me and not apologizing for it. I am what I am. I listen to my gut and go for it. If I fail, it’s not over and I learned something.
As for the artist - It’s a balance. There will be time when your creative freedom is stifled a bit, but maybe that how the bills get paid. Just make sure to find time to be you. And do what you love. That’s why I did film/tv- to pay the bills and theater for that creative freedom to be me and share my vision.
