Meet Kristin Bruce | Painter and illustrator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin Bruce and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Partially because my mother was an incredibly talented artist, seamstress, and basket weaver; but also because it was one of the few places I could find solace in what was at times a very lonely childhood.
We lived in a very rural and isolated area which in some ways I have to admit was actually pretty amazing. I had constant access to nature and was always able to explore the outdoors and observe the wildlife which I’ve always adored. However, as things in our family fell apart, the desolation and isolation became extremely challenging for me as the youngest child. I often felt sad and alone. When things around me would get rough and everyone and everything around me were completely out of control, I learned I could always comfort myself by looking at the illustrations in my children’s books, or the photographs in my parents’ National Geographic’s. I could completely lose myself in those still images – studying the lines and colors, the people or animals, the movement captured on the page- and forget all of the chaos, pain and confusion swarming around me.
Because of the challenges I faced, I realized at a very young age the power that the visual arts held. Through creating I was able to express myself and connect to others and I was also able to transport and transform myself, too. In a time where I was completely powerless, creating art gave me the self empowerment and connection that I so desperately craved, and I just ultimately fell in love with the entire process.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always been fascinated with nature and the outdoors so my art has generally been very inspired by the flora and fauna around me. Growing up in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, I was emerged in incredible natural beauty from the very beginning. At eighteen I started my journey out west by moving to Santa Fe, NM. This is where I fell absolutely in love with both the desert- and my husband, who had primarily been raised here in Arizona. We ended up settling here in the valley a little over 22 years ago now and my love for Arizona has only grown exponentially each year we’ve been here. The amount of natural diversity we have in our state is both astounding and awe inspiring and never ceases to amaze me! As an avid hiker and camper, I’ve been lucky enough to explore a great deal of Arizona and it has actually become the main subject matter of many of my paintings and illustrations over time. In fact, my current project, and one I’m very excited about, is publishing my second adult coloring book and my first one entirely about Arizona!
Even as an artist/illustrator, I absolutely love coloring adult coloring books! Sitting down and getting lost in coloring the details of a great design or illustration without the pressure of seeking perfection is extremely restorative and relaxing for me, and because of that, I absolutely love how popular adult coloring books have become in the last few years. While art can definitely be significant and thought provoking, I also think it can just be whimsical and fun sometimes, too. Enjoying the process of creating something is itself very therapeutic, and I feel adult coloring books allow that to be experienced by everyone, especially those who don’t necessarily believe that they are artistic.
Last year I actually created and published my very first adult coloring book called Mushroom Mania, which was of course, all about mushrooms! It features designs and illustrations that are both realistic and informative but also others that are just whimsical and fun. The process of creating it was a huge learning curve for me, but it was also very rewarding and exciting. Now that I have a better understanding of the process, I’m hoping to complete my AZ coloring book and have it available for purchase by the holidays this year so I can share my love of Arizona with everyone!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Only one week!?! That’s a tough one! I’d have to start in the Phoenix area, particularly Rosson House Museum and Heritage Square to learn some of the city’s history and see the beautiful historical buildings. From there, maybe Roosevelt Row Arts District to have lunch and check out all of the amazing art and fun boutique shops.
Day two let’s head out to Canyon Lake to hike the Boulder Canyon Trail in the morning and have a picnic lunch with an amazing view. In the afternoon we’ could go for a tour on the Dolly Steamboat maybe followed by dinner at historic Tortilla Flats (if we can get a table).
The next day I’d want to head to the Sedona area to see those iconic red rocks. Maybe starting with a tour of Montezuma’s Castle, then a drive to Oak Creek Canyon and Slide Rock State Park.
From Sedona I’d recommend heading to the Grand Canyon North Rim and the amazing views from Marble Point. On the way we’ could check out the Colorado River, get an incredible view of the Vermilion Cliffs, and checkout a super cool place called Cliff Dwellers in the Marble Canyon Area.
After a night at the North rim enjoying a sky filled with stars we’d drive on to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park (hopefully in a high clearance vehicle so we could do the Monument Valley Scenic Drive). Afterwards heading on to drive through the Painted Desert and maybe stop and see the Petrified Forest. Followed by a night stay in Holbrook, or Winslow, if they’re an Eagles fan.
The next morning it’s on to beautiful Payson for lunch before we head on to Tonto Natural Bridge for some short hikes and exploring, then on to Tucson for dinner and to stay the night.
On our final day we’d get up extra early to hike Sabino Canyon and see Seven Falls, followed by an afternoon scenic drive through Saguaro National Park East.
Now, full disclaimer, I’m honestly not sure that all of this is logistically possible as Arizona is really a huge state, but any one of these destinations I think would definitely create quite a fun and memorable trip for anyone experiencing AZ for the first time.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
All of the family and friends who have loved, supported, and encouraged me over the years definitely deserve a shout out! I have to admit an artist like myself thrives on emotional support and encouragement, and I wouldn’t be who or where I am without them.
However, I have to give the absolute biggest shoutout to my husband and best friend, Jayson, and our amazingly talented daughter, Jaylin. Not only for always being my biggest fans and number one supporters, but for tolerating all my neuroses as well, lol. Their love, encouragement, and belief in me have been absolutely instrumental in my becoming the person I aspire to be in this life.
Instagram: KristinBruceCreations
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