Meet Kristin Gibby | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Gibby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristin, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Being wrong forces you to explore; transform error into insight.

I’m not sure who said it, but it’s a principle I try to apply in art and life. Failure happens. We all get things wrong even when working hard to get them ‘right.’ Reframing the discomfort felt in those moments keeps me working toward improvement. It’s a reminder that my time and efforts aren’t wasted, and to move from self criticism to self compassion.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m an oil painter who loves nature and finds wonder in the ordinary. The last couple of years I’ve been painting tiny portraits of insects and flowers. My most recent series was spurred by the Strada Easel 31 day challenge, which I joined in an effort to study subjects from life more consistently. I also have a tender spot for painting people portraits, especially of my children, and I look forward to learning more about figurative work in the coming years.

I still consider myself a beginner professionally. I just launched my website this April and have had my first shows in local galleries within the last year. I decided to start painting and drawing five years ago after taking an extended break from my creative endeavors to complete a BS in Psychology and then becoming a stay at home mom. When I started painting again, it felt like I was coming back to myself.

My kids are still little and I’m still home caring for them, which is sometimes difficult to balance. At the same time I’ve found so much goodness in this season of life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Freeman, SD. It’s a small town with a proud heritage of Germans who emigrated from Russia and hosts two big festivals each year. Shmeckfest and the Chislic Festival. If my best friend came, they would want to schedule their visit during one of these events, known for their delicious food and festivities. We’d visit the Heritage Hall museum, and take a walk around the arboretum. Afterward, we’d enjoy the slow pace of rural South Dakota.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that I’m hesitant to start naming names, because I’m sure I’ll accidentally leave someone out. I feel deep gratitude toward friends and family for encouraging and loving me; gratititude for collectors who have supported me by buying my art.

When I decided to officially work toward pursuing art more seriously, I contacted family friend and professional artist, Dave LaMure Jr. I’m half embarrassed looking back at myself then and how little I knew, but he was generous with his advice and mentoring. I’ve read, and re-read the books he recommended during that first call: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, and Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland.

Website: https://www.kristingibbyart.com

Instagram: @kristingibby_art