Fine Art Bio

Biography

Kiersten A. Stein was born into a family of artisans. Her grandfather was one of the top ten photographic retouchers in the world, and her father is a true Renaissance man; creativity and the arts are innate. Kiersten began her career focusing on art and design at the age of ten when she became an apprentice and learned the value and discipline of honing one’s craft. Kiersten’s interests were likened to her father’s as she became a carpenter, designer, photographer, writer, illustrator, and painter. She is proud to have built her foundation on “old school” principles and the lifelong process of becoming a Master. Kiersten’s techniques and passions have been evolving for more than 30 years now.

“The true mystery of the world
is the visible, not the invisible”
– Oscar Wilde

I think the most complex line item for any artist would be to define, categorize, or analyze what they do and why. I believe there are two kinds of artists: The first type loves to talk about themselves and their work, and the second, not so much. I fall somewhere on the introverted side of the spectrum. Many experiences inspire me, and I can easily lose myself in a subject study for hours.

My tagline, “It’s in the still that we can experience the extraordinary,”™ illustrates my approach to life as a voyeur and participant.

I love the real and raw of life, and I find life boring without contrast. As a photographer and multidisciplinary artist, I embrace “intimate distance,” allowing me to experience the integrity of details yet remain non-invasive.

“No matter how slow the film,
Spirit always stands still
long enough for the photographer
‘it’ has chosen.” – Minor White

What draws me in are “things” that do not wave a flag but sparkle and dance in their own right, like what most would consider invisible. I find that I look at life and its visitors through a macro lens first, and then I pull back into a wide-angle perspective. I have compiled years of work (photography, writing, illustration, and painting), and deciding what I want to share with the public is the most challenging part of the process. At this point in my journey, I am turning the exposure on myself and my “art” through collections like my “Kaleidescope” (different spelling is purposeful) Photo Tapestries. 

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I love nature’s beauty and ingenuity. My Kaleidescope Photo Tapestries, Mosaics, and Quilts are some of my attempts to honor nature’s intricate treasures by packaging and incorporating these jewels into compositions that I can share (I offer my work on silk, canvas, tile, wood, and fine art paper). Below are some examples from the series.

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“Needles and Thread Tapestry” (Framed Silk): Compilation of Yucca Nana (by special order)(sizes vary)

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“Needles and Thread Tile”: Compilation of Yucca Nana (framed fine art paper available in 20×45 and 20×20 limited editions), also available on silk (by special order)

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Wente Vineyards Exhibition:

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“Intricate Heart Bottle Brush Tapestry”: Compilation of Bottle Brush blooms (framed fine art paper available in 30×45 and 20×20 limited editions), also available on silk (by special order)

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“Paradox” – Kaleidescope Tapestry: Compilation of Gray Agave (framed fine art paper, also available on silk by special order)(available in 24×32 and 16×16 limited editions):

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Gray Agave compilation 16×16 

I have always enjoyed collaborations with other artists. I spent some time a few years back with Jean Bidwell, a Fine Artist and Muralist in the Bay Area. Working outdoors adds a layer of complexity to what you are doing, combating the sun, wind, dust, street noise, flora, and pedestrians. I learned how to weave in and out and enjoyed transforming utility boxes into works of art. The following were a few boxes I either designed and painted, or just helped paint. See more >

“Lady of the Lake Series”… to see more portraits >

I love working with my hands and working with wood and other materials. See more >

 

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