Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Kohut.
Kristi Kohut, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’m an artist. But 10 years ago, if you told me I’d have my own studio, I’d think you were dreaming. You see, I spent my 20s in the mad world of advertising (minus Don Draper), and it was totally breathless and exciting. But when my son was born, I knew I didn’t want to miss those precious moments with him so I decided to leave the agency hustle and stay at home with him. Little did I know, I’d be starting my own hustle, one that I love even more than the one I left. My husband encouraged me to put a small studio in our home, I bought some supplies, and wham! The moment I picked up that brush, something in me sparked. I felt a joy, a contentment, that I had never known before. That moment was magic. And that’s what I create my art to convey to you—that same magic moment. With bold, bright colors in agate-inspired patterns and shimmering, crystallized layers of mixed-media, I want my art to lift you out of your everyday and into my magical world. Let it.
I’m an artsier. What’s that, you ask? Well, you’ve heard of outliers, right? I’m that, but in the art world. Traditionally, galleries are the gatekeepers to collectors, but I want to change that. As an artsier, I’m part of a new wave of artists using Instagram (follow me here) to pave a new path to connect with you directly. It’s part of my mission to break down the barriers that separate collectors from figuring out what the heck collecting means, not just in the grand scheme of things, but to them, personally. Because collecting is nothing if not deeply personal—it’s not just an investment, but an investment in you. Let’s make the most of it, together.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
From shimmering, crystalized, layers of color, to bold agate-inspired work, I hope to lift the viewer out of the everyday and into my magical world. My work is mixed-media and is influenced by color and pattern in the world all around us. A permeating crack on the sidewalk, the vibrant layers of agate rock, the exotic clothing of a faraway place, are my muses. I love the color and effect created when unexpected colors and textures are combined. The glossiness of an acrylic paint next to the chalky texture of a pastel. Or an iridescent blend next to a thick, velvety smudge of oil pigment.
My process is an intuitive dance of play, working until I find just the right combination of color and texture. I know when it is done, when it elicits a feeling inside, a zing, a ping of joy or pleasure that often comes with that final touch or pop of color, suddenly transforming the piece. That feeling is a connection to something more, something that is not of the day-to-day routine of life. The antithesis of routine. A hint at what’s on the other side of this world.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
It is so easy today to connect with other artists online and via social media. Start following other artists you feel a connection with. Comment on their work. Send a direct message. I’ve connected with so many artists this way and it is so great to have a community to share ideas with and to inspire each other.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m opening an open studio/Gallery space this September!
Kristi Kohut Studio
346 N Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048
Until then please visit my website:
And Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/hapiart/
Contact Info:
- Address: Kristi Kohut Studio
346 N Milwaukee Ave
Libertyville, IL 60048
(opening this Fall) - Website: https://kristikohut.studio/
- Email: kristi@kristikohut.studio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hapiart/
Image Credit:
Chelsea Mazur (portrait)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
