We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristy Kurjan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristy below.
Kristy, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Seven Tips to Keep Your Creativity Alive
“To create, that is my why” -Kristy Kurjan, owner & artist KPO Creative LLC.
“To Create,” that is my why. With a business titled “KPO Creative” there is a responsibility to be creative on a consistent basis. The good news is that creativity is my lifelong passion and it is truly the one thing that drives me. I’ve been creating all my life by making original items that bring joy to others; whether it be paint on a canvas, shaping fabric, making wearable accessories, or producing words in print. The litany of ideas and inspiration is never ending, however, as with most people in life, at times keeping the creativity alive becomes challenging. Here are seven tips I would like to share with your readers to keep their creating spark even on the hardest days:
Moving Meditation: I often listen to meditative music while painting my large scale intuitive abstract art pieces. This keeps me in the flow and helps incorporate emotion into my canvas.
Physical Activity: If I’m stuck and feeling uninspired it is helpful to take a break. By incorporating physical activity everyday, I stay healthy and keep my mind clear. I enjoy going for a run, playing tennis and walking my dog.
Incorporate Nature: Nature has been a driving inspiration throughout my career. The simple act of going outside to witnessing nature always helps bring a sense of renewal and creativity into my work. There are simple ways to do this: A quick walk in the neighborhood, listening to the waves on a shoreline, or walking bare feet in the grass.
A Paper Calendar, not just Digital: I love to physically write things down and not put too much time or energy into digital devices. I have a pocket sized paper calendar which I have affectionately named “Goldie.” Goldie fits in my purse and I take her everywhere with me. I am able to see what I have planned for months to come and visualize what I want my year to look like. (Side note: Goldie changes colors from year to year but for years she was gold in color. This year, Goldie is the color red.)
Write Lists: Writing things down on paper, making a list, and then checking it off- This helps me say organized and clear my mind, thus opening up more mental capacity for creativity.
Make Friends & Family A Priority: Spending time with friends and family is important to keeping your joy and creative energy at its highest potential. I always try to make the people I love my top priority!
Sleep: Wise wisdom tells us, a good night sleep sleep is important! Eight hours is recommended, most of us are lucky to get a solid seven, however, when I can I prefer nine.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an intuitive abstract artist specializing in large scale paintings based out of Traverse City, Michigan. I will be showing at Art Prize in Grand Rapids, Michigan this year September 13-28th at Intersect Studios: 820 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 160 intersect-studio.com
A few of my inspirations include: nature, textures, and the extensive beauty of northern Michigan. My passion lies in the process of creating art that evokes emotion and brings joy to others. Water, landscapes, and organic beauty are often depicted in my works.
In addition to art and being a mother of three, I authored and published four books and written for numerous publications. My board book titles include: I Spy… A Pig in A Plane, Nap-a-Roo, Dream Sweet Dreams, and The Many Ways to Say I Love You. Find them at numerous locations including: Sweet Pea Baby Boutique (205 E Front Street, Traverse City, MI), Mission Proper (13795 Seven Hills Rd
Traverse City, MI), Horizon Books (243 E Front St Traverse City, MI) and kpocreative.com .
Throughout the year I teach to students young and old in Traverse City at Crooked Tree Arts Center- crookedtree.org and Life & Whim Studios in Traverse City, MI www.lifeandwhim.com
View samples of my artwork in person in take a walk through the hallways of The Grand Traverse Commons (near Silver Fox Jewelry and Haven Boutique in Traverse City, MI) and then grab a coffee at Mission Proper Cafe on Old Mission Peninsula (13795 Seven Hills Dr, Traverse City, MI.) Make sure to visit Intersect Studios in Grand Rapids, MI during Art Prize September 13-28th: 820 Monroe Ave NW, Suite 160 intersect-studio.com Follow me on Instagram: @kpocreative_art and find my online portfolio at: KPOcreative.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
#1- Keep in mind, you are building on your skills and knowledge with each and every step, even the ones that make you take a step back are actually moving you forward in your journey.
#2- Appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to follow your dreams.
#3- Don’t give up, stick with what you love and enjoy creating!
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Family is everything, this includes biological family and the family we decide to surround ourselves with. I could not be who I am today without the love from my parents, siblings, husband, kids, and close friends. Thank you to all who have supported me and loved me for who I am. You know who you are and you are golden to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kpocreative.com
- Instagram: @kpocreative_art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KPOcreative/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
