Kristin Bodden
Growing up around artists and creative people has inspired me to continue my life as an artist. My grandfather and aunt, both cartoonists, along with my sister and art teacher Mr. Geroux, have supported me along the way. After attending SUNY Fredonia for Fine Arts, I continued making art. I received my degree in Social Work, using my creative personality to interact with people. Pursuing a masters degree in Education and Art Certification allows me to integrate my love of art with working with people. My husband’s love of music and original work has also sparked my creativity and kept my mind working to continue to create art.
I strive to create pieces that evoke happiness and joy. My art consists of emotional colors and contrasts. My hope is that you experience my work, feel something familiar and powerful. Many of my pieces consist of acrylic base, with layers of paint, cut paper, tissue and paint again. My process is organic and plans change as new designs emerge.
Trees
As you notice, many of my paintings consist of trees and silhouettes. This subject matter has many different meanings, and hopefully you’ll find your own meaning as well. Inspiration came in several forms.
The emotional memory of trees silhouetted against a beautiful sky; at dawn, dusk, high noon, stormy warning, in the heat of summer, cool of winter, crisp comfort of fall, and delicate life of spring; all of these moments make me feel at home; at peace
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, includes discussion on the strength and grounding of trees and how placement, growth, and identity relate to our uniqueness and belonging.
Color plays a big role in my work, adding many rich contrasts to create detail and interest; often you will find many hidden colors, within a painting, on closer review! Inspiration comes from the sky and nature as well as plants and animals, and specifically in some pieces, the vibrant variety of color found on butterfly wings.
Naming My Paintings
You may have noticed, many paintings are named after a woman. I have had many strong, influential women in my life that have helped me become me. I continue to be surrounded by women who inspire me. Each work that I create evokes a connection to each of those people and in turn they deserve the name.
Thank you for viewing my work! My hope is that my art makes your eyes smile and causes you to feel peaceful, joyful and alive!