Interview
Kristine Reiner
An American artist, Kristine Reiner specializes in contemporary rose paintings, with a deep love and appreciation for the creative process. She graduated with a degree in Multimedia Production from the University of Sioux Falls. The use of roses in Kristine's work adds an aspect of dimension and texture while bringing attention to social issues. She incorporates them into her paintings to add a level of depth.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“My background is in mixed media painting and graphic design. Roses are my brushes in creating rose paintings. In high school, I began creating art and decided to make it my career. I now teach K-12 students art and own a t-shirt printing business. At a young age, I began creating for myself and my siblings, since my family was very poor. We occasionally ran out of food, so that environment made me very frugal. Additionally, I feel that it improved my ability to be more creative since anything can be used as art supplies. Your imagination is your only limitation.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any social or political issues?
“A large portion of my work focuses on raising awareness of social issues. Artists have a responsibility to share their ideas and opinions through their mediums. Our world will never be better if we don't care about it, not only for ourselves but for future generations as well. The majority of my daily work involves activism, sustainability, and educating the next generation.”
“Being a survivor of abuse, it's critical that the work I share offers a personal perspective to those viewing it. Whenever someone looks at my art, I have the chance to plant a seed in their mind. The impact of my work must be significant. My recent work has been dedicated to finding and supporting help for murdered and missing Indigenous women.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My paintings are always inspired by emotions. I make mental notes of all my ideas whenever I feel inspired. I usually bottle up my ideas until I need an emotional release. My art is a therapeutic process. I cannot translate it into a 9-5 job that is intended for the masses. These works help me deal with my darkest fears and guide me through them. My inspiration comes when I'm feeling restless, irritable, or overwhelmed.”
What process, materials, techniques, etc., do you use to create your artwork?
“I use recycled materials and whatever else I can find to create my artwork. What I love about mixed media is that there are no limits to what you can do. I love using strange tools and my favourite is roses. Besides drawing inks and oil pastels, I also enjoy incorporating textiles into my work.”
Which current art world trends are you following?
“In my current work, I am experimenting with textiles, which may be a trend. At my studio, I aim to reuse materials that many consider trash; one person's garbage is another person's treasure! Most recently, I accepted 5,000 donated rubber ducks. I envisioned my students using most of them in their art projects. There are about 4,700 left. It would be better to have extra supplies rather than contributing more waste to our landfills.”
“I experience a sense of belonging when I create. My works give me the feeling that others share a similar view of the world. A lot of unexpected friendships have been formed as a result of my art. The art of storytelling, manifesting and believing, allows the connection. Connecting is what we are all looking for, so I hope to build those connections with my viewers through my art.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“I consider Cornelia Parker's Mass, 1997, wire, string, and burnt wood rescued from Lytle Baptist Church in Texas (hit by lightning) among my favourite works of art. The Phoenix Art Museum Collection is another favourite, which was purchased with funds provided by Dr. and Mrs. Howard J. Hendler.”
“Phoenix is a place I visit often. I saw this breathtaking installation on one of my trips. The sorrow I felt when I arrived at the chard pieces was unimaginable. Growing up, I have experienced having my house burn down - losing so much so quickly is devastating. A piece such as this was the first to establish the perspective that anything can be art, even something that appears to be a total wreck. I am inspired by the talent involved in this work.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Among the publications that have featured my works recently are Harper's Bazaar - Global Young Talent June 2021 and British Vogue, Vanity Fair, House and Garden, Art Magazine123 and Fashion Crossover London.”
