We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Elaine Whalen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen Elaine, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
Greg McKeown’s books Essentialism and Effortless have been life changing for me. I easily tend towards burnout since I throw myself into things whole heartedly. The writer teaches how to do the most essential things first and how to do them with ease. Not everything has to be done the hard way! I’ve been finding recently that I’m able to work every day with ease and focus without all the distractions since reading these books and implementing the essentialist and effortless philosophy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I aspired to be an artist from a young age exploring every medium from painting to photography. I attended Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where my passion for photography developed into a career. After graduating in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree in Media Communications and Fine Art, I moved to New York City where I was quickly immersed in art, fashion, and the business of photography. I launched my photography business in 2004 and began documenting the glittering moments of elite Manhattan society. My work was published in a number of fashion magazines worldwide including Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, InStyle, and Vanity Fair.

In 2013, after a tragic personal loss, I began to spend time in galleries and museums as a way to cope with my uncomfortable feelings. I discovered that the art I connected to most was created by artists who grappled with loss and suffering like Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, and Egon Schiele (my fav). I figured that if they could put their pain on canvas, then I could too. I picked up a paintbrush and the rest is history.

My paintings began as emotionally charged abstracts but soon developed into celebrations of life and creation. I’m driven by my passion for perceiving, delighting in, and interpreting nature in unique ways through watercolor. I live with my little boy in Flower Mound, Texas on a beautiful horse farm where the inspiration is endless from sunrise to sunset. I have recently begun teaching private art classes to local women as well as illustrating childrens books. This summer I will complete my third book.

I’m a follower of Jesus and I’m thankful that He brought art into my life at a time when I needed it most. Just as He did for David in the Psalms, He turned my mourning into dancing. I owe absolutely everything to Him.

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.
First, I would take her to Main Street in Downtown, Historic Grapevine! We would sit outside at Chez Fabien and enjoy cappuccinos and breakfast before walking next door to Rtown Gallery where my whimsical  Flowers With Legs Collection is displayed on the Walls! We would do a little local shopping and lunch and if there was enough time we would grab massages at Relâche Spa the Gaylord Texan. We’d shower and get dressed up and head over to my favorite neighborhood restaurant, Fiori in Flower Mound. They have the most delicious homemade pastas and an impressive wine menu! If it was too hot for pasta we would order crisp white wine and enjoy muscles in buttery broth. After dinner, I’d take her to hear live music at my favorite little bar at The Bartonville Store!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh goodness, first I have to thank Jesus because I pray very specific prayers every day for Him to move me forward with my work. I would not be where I am today without His help. Second, I thank my parents because they encourage me constantly to pursue my dreams and they believe in me more than any other humans on the planet. And third, other artists who share their work and their stories. I’m always so encouraged and inspired by them!

Website: http://www.kristenelainewhalen.com

Instagram: @kristenelainewhalen

Image Credits
Kristen Elaine Whalen

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