Art Resume

Artist Bio

Kristen Fagan was born and raised on Long Island in New York. She works predominantly with acrylic paint. Her first visual art showcase was March 2012 in Scottsdale, AZ. Kristen graduated with a B.A. in Visual Communication and has been working as a graphic designer since 2000.

Kristen is a trained Art Guide for the Mesa Public Schools Art Masterpiece Program. Art Masterpiece is an art appreciation program offered to elementary children by parent volunteers. As a guide she leads 30 minute discussions about paintings to help students look, think and talk about art.

Kristen currently lives in Mesa, Arizona with her husband, their two sons and two golden retrievers. When she’s not creating she enjoys yoga, road trips, exploring the outdoors and spending time with loved ones. She delights in nature, dancing and music. Her early experiences and the joy she received creating and sharing her artwork lead her to seek an artistic career.

Artist Statement

Creative professional wanting to share my passion for art through showcasing my work, teaching and being involved within the art community.

I make art that is joyful, colorful and whimsical. I draw nature because I feel loved and nurtured when I am in the natural world. I play with abstraction because I am attracted to texture and movement. Artful expression fills me with peace, delight and freedom. I create the things make my heart sing and remind me of life’s simple pleasures such as playing under a willow, catching fireflies or taking a stroll in the forest. My art is joyful and my hope is that the viewer feels that joy.

I believe that inspiration is everywhere; everything I see, feel and experience can ignite my creativity. I am inspired by the sights and sounds of nature and influenced by my feelings in the moment of creation, bringing a sense of flow and movement to my work. When my work is going well it feels effortless, a direct flow of energy from my heart and soul to my body and outward. I move into the work, connect to my creative source and find my truth. What I love most about what I do is the feeling of peace I get in the moment of creation. My tools and process vary. I create with pencil, paint and pastels on canvas, reclaimed wood and paper. I reuse and re-purpose materials when inspired to do so.

Experience

Creative Stash (2008 – Present) Mesa, AZ
Artist / Designer

A design and art studio specializing in artful gifts, paintings, jewelry, invitations and graphic design by Kristen Fagan.

Young Rembrandts (2010 –2011) Mesa, AZ
Drawing Teacher

Young Rembrandts teaches drawing to young children. I was a teacher for the elementary-age curriculum, designed to teach basic to advanced drawing skills, art techniques and vocabulary for children ages 6 to 12.

MPS Art Masterpiece Guide (2009 –Present) Mesa, AZ
Volunteer

As a trained Art Guide for the Mesa Public Schools Art Masterpiece Program, I lead 30 minute discussions about paintings to help students look, think and talk about masterpieces of art.

Soft Flex Company (2003 – Present) Sonoma, CA
Graphic & Web Designer

Make your own jewelry with Soft Flex® beading wire. Learn beading tips, get inspired with free beading projects and do your bead shopping all in one place! Shop the best quality beading wire, crimps, clasps, beads and gemstones.

At Soft Flex Company I am responsible for website design and maintenance, e-newsletter and online advertising design. I am also a guest writer on their blog, sharing tips from graphic design to marketing to beading project ideas.

Responsibilities include all phases of creative development including conceptualization, design, electronic preparation of files, and collaboration with programmers, copy writers, jewelry designers, photographers and other professionals.

Education

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Visual Communication
Collins College, AZ – 2000

Associate Degree in Communication of Applied Sciences
Fashion Institute of Technology, NY – 1998

Skills

Creative
Acrylic
Watercolor
Pastel
Drawing Teacher
Jewelry
Illustration
Adobe Creative Suite
Personality Traits
Artistic
Self-starter
Goal-directed
Adaptable and resourceful
Sense of humor
Overall positive attitude