Why the hesitancy?
We now live in an appearance driven world of instant information. As a child, I grew up in a creative environment without screens and media defining what was good or bad. I got to experience growing up as an artistic child, following my creative whims and fancies without second guessing that inaccurate mirror social media reflects back to us. After college, art school, and teaching art, I took a break to raise my young children. When I returned to my sense of self, I came back to a very different world. This world contained inspiring images via Pinterest, perfect paintings via Instagram, and people who accomplished a lot more than me via Facebook. In a moment spread out over several years, I lost my belief in myself. It’s taken a lot of honest introspection and kind self-talk to be able to own that I am hesitant about calling myself an artist. In a world of incredible inspiration, it’s easy to feel like an imposter. However, I also believe there is great value and strength in naming and owning our biggest fears so we can diffuse them into the world. Thus, I consider myself to be the hesitant artist. You can follow my bumbling path here @lindseykiniryart.
“I think I want to be an artist.” My grandfather grabbed my hand and told me, “You already are. Now go share it.”
I worked in graphic design for several years while making plans to return to my love of painting, but adulthood and needing an income took over. I went back to school and earned my Post Baccalaureate degree in Art Education followed by a Master’s in Early Childhood Development, attempting to meld my art and creativity with the wistfulness of young artists. I taught middle school art for several years before having my own children. During this time of life, while steeped in motherhood, I stopped creating and lost my sense of artistic wonder. Most recently, spurred by the new climate of the world and the pandemic, I returned to my core and began to explore again. I think this will be a perpetual journey, one that began as “The Hesitant Artist”. It’s an adventure I’m honored to still be navigating.
I am an abstract impressionistic painter and graphic designer, living in Bellingham, Washington with my husband and three children. I come from a long line of artists; inspiring textile designers, weavers, woodworkers, architects and painters. From a very young age, my parents encouraged me to create without boundaries. My life was with nature and the arts. My grandfather was a pivotal part of my life and he used to pop into school, check me out of class and whisk me away to Seattle for the day, exploring museums and galleries and introducing me to his artist friends. On one of these days, we sat outside a block of galleries in downtown Seattle and I whispered “I think I want to be an artist” and my grandfather grabbed my hand and told me “You already are. Now go share it.”
I attended a University and applied to their art program. I circled the vast studio spaces and explored illustration, design, painting, photography and ceramics and made plans to never leave. I overstayed my welcome until the university forced me to declare a concentration to graduate. I chose painting.
Past and Present Gallery Showings
Jansen Art Center | Winter Juried Exhibit | December 2, 2021–February 25, 2022 | VIEW
Jansen Art Center | Spring Juried Exhibit | April 14 – July 8, 2022 | VIEW
Makeworth | Resident Artist | September 1-30, 2022 | VIEW
Quicksilver Photo Lab | Artwalk Recipient & Resident Artist | October 1-31, 2022 | VIEW
Northwind Art Gallery | Small Expressions Juried Exhibit | November 2022 - January 2023 | VIEW
Brazen Shop + Studio | Artwalk Recipient and Resident Artist | February 2023 | VIEW