Jan Update

So, its been awhile since I updated this puppy. Bhakti: Movements of the heart show this summer was a success! The show drew in the largest crowd the Denizen Gallery has seen to date. That being said, I am so thankful for everyone who attended the show, assisted with install, and helped prepare for the reception. I was pleased with the end result, and how many people participated in the interactive aspects of the installation. Two great things that came out of this effort: meeting local photographer, Soumya Jamarayan…and being commissioned to do a piece for her wedding. Check out her photography- it’s beautiful! That commission is now completed, and I am preparing a small installation project for the upcoming Fertile Ground festival. I also tried my hand at grant writing for the first time this fall- which is actually really hard work! I had applied for a multidisciplinary project grant (involving poetry/music/visual/performance), and discovered in Dec that my project was not chosen for funding. I felt disappointment and relief simultaneously. I am still pursuing henna as a business. I start an internship with Kaniz Shah of Silk and Stone this coming Wed, so the next few months will be dedicated to my henna application and business skills improving, building up WhiteHeart Henna, and looking for a new place to live. As I sew the nest for the upcoming installation, it is my prayer that I will find the perfect cozy safe spot for me.

Bhakti: Movements of the Heart Update

Things are coming together! 2 large paintings done, 2 large paintings a little over halfway there… It’s been so fun going through and editing photos. There are suprises in store for you, people. Just finished creating the playlist for the meditational soundbooth installation, and got 2 henna artists to offer henna to all of you the night of the reception, Friday June 1st. There will be art! there will be music! there will be rangoli and henna! Check out Bhakti: Movements of the Heart on facebook the week before the opening for daily photographs and teasers before the big event. Looking forward to seeing you there, Portland!

Bhakti: Movements of the Heart

So, this art exhibition now has a name: Bhakti, movements of the Heart. Bhakti basically is translated into English to mean devotion, but as is the case so many times….something is lost in translation. Bhakti does mean devotion, but it also means so much more. It is devotion or expression that is motivated out of affection, and love, rather than ritual. I liked also the idea of movement, because at a pilgrimage’s emotional center is hope. It enforces the idea that things can change for the better, (outwardly or inwardly), if one is willing to go somewhere else, to step outside of themselves. It’s basically heart geography. Bhakti will be opening June 1st in the Denizen Gallery in NE Portland, and will hang (or be) until the 30th. So far we have a reconstructed map, pen and ink drawings inspired by Bengali woodcuts, and paintings begun of Mirabai (my favorite mystic), the Ganges, and female archetypes of me at different stages in this journey. Finished is Passage, in progress Because of Love. Starting on a small series following the life of Buddha. Time is ticking, and I have a lot left to do. I can’t wait to transform the space with sound and color! Hope to see you there. I was hoping to dance on opening night as well, but as some of you know, i was hit by a car recently, and am recovering from injuries. The toe fracture, esp- may prove to be a major setback, in recovery and preparation. fingers crossed! I will try to arrange other dance performers to ensure a live dance presence on Fri, June 1st.

3 hour portrait in oil by Dana Henderson.

Upcoming Show!

Well, ladies and gentleman….I just booked a show that will be opening Fri, June 1st in the Denizen Gallery in Portland, OR. The show will combine 2D and 3D works inspired by my trip to India, and my spiritual journey. Working on pen and ink drawing inspired by Bengali woodcuts- peacock warriors, anyone?! And a painting of Mirabai, a most inspiring poet and saint. Expect to encounter music, an interactive space, and rangoli in this exhibition. Dance performance and live music on opening night (Friday, June 1st, from 6pm till 10.) Time to get a LOT of work done in 4 months. This means for my friends, you may see a little less of me. But a little more of my heart if you show up to this event! Micah Goldstein will also be displaying some of his amazing photography featuring classical Indian and bellydancers, and the celebration of Holi- my favorite festival ever. This is the kick in the butt i needed to put out a bunch of new work. Hope to see you there!

December Update

The Holiday show is up downstairs, and the pop up shop is being volunteer run also. Its hours open are a little scanty, but there is some great stuff in there! My friend Jessi and I manned a little watercolor workshop for kids as a part of the event, which was fun…fun enough that a mom joined in. Thanks to Muse Art Supplies for donating some materials. The Christmas recording- “Good Songs, Good Cheer” has been remastered, and sounding pretty adorable. If you are a sponsor, this means you get the album for free- so if you are one, and you haven’t received one, hit me up. I was interviewed by Penny Michelle for her mini- documentary about Milepost 5. (You can listen to it by pressing the link on my Facebook.) Beginning Bollywood classes in November were a success! More for the heart, than monetarily. Small class size, but the people who came really enjoyed it, and requested classes continue. So I will try and work on some choreography to offer them again in Jan or Feb. As many of youy know, I had taken a break from my involvement with Bollywood Dreams, to slow down my pace and work on some of my personal projects. While that was necessary, I have really missed dancing, and am looking forward to reintroducing classes and performance into my schedule in January, if finances permit. Practicing figure drawing on Thurs with a small group at Milepost 5- and you are welcome, if you would like to sit in on a session! We meet in the community rm at 7pm on Thurs evenings. Definitely not one of my strengths, so I am grateful for the opportunity to practice. I posed for a friends art piece, so if you want to see me depicted as a spooky mermaid, and see lots of amazing art- you won’t want to miss “Devil and the Deep”, the show opening in the Denizen Gallery in Jan. There will art. there will be beer. There will be cupcakes, made by yours truly. I have of course, also been Christmas crafting…so there’s been some knitting and felting goin’ on. I have been really struggling with my confidence in my painting, and myself as an artist this whole month, honestly- and finding time management hard. I’m a little disappointed in myself, because I wanted to accomplish more in this past month (in this life!) than I have. All that to say, I’m going to sign off so I can actually make some art today. as in, right now. ps- I will begin to post the dates and locations of open mics that i participate in in the next coming months also. Stay tuned…..Kristen

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An Artful Affair

Greetings, ladies and gentleman.
This post is to inform you that Milepost 5 will be having a Holiday Art Fair during the month of December. There will be original artwork from Milepost 5 residents in the gallery spaces, as well as a “pop up shop” featuring local handmades, original artwork and reproductions priced $50 and under. Opening weekend will have a benefit for JOIN (resources for the homeless.) Some highlights will be: theater performances, wine and chocolate tastings, some live music, and a kids craft table. And shopping locally for unique gifts, while supporting local artists at the same time. For details, check out Milepost5.net/ArtfulAffair. I personally will be selling gift certificates for tea and henna sessions for $25 that include tea for 2, and your choice of a hand, foot, or forearm henna application. As well as some cards I have made, and a holiday recording my friends and I have made; and is in the process of being remastered. It manages being heartwarming and somewhat traditional, while being a little…er..uh, Portland at the same time. And displaying a few paintings for sale. I can’t wait to see what my neighbors are up to! I know Jessi is making some great jewelry.

Welcome, beholders and benefactors…

I’ve put this little site together to keep you all in the loop. I’ll be posting monthly updates and pictures of what I’m currently working on, and my journey in this little social experiment we call Milepost 5. If you have chosen to support me with your friendship, encouraging words, attendance of events, financial sponsorship, or all of the above- I really can’t thank you enough. Thanks for loving me. Thanks for believing in who I am and what I do.