I help unapologetic idealists create healing & inspiring spaces with joyful, energetically-charged art.

I'M KRISTEN

(Ma Kalulu) -"Kalulu" is the Chichewa word for rabbit in Malawi where I lived from 2019-2024. Rabbits symbolize abundance, creativity, rebirth, and luck in many cultures.

Artist Statement

I draw the world not as it is but as I envision it could be. Inspired by my time living in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, I incorporate symbols, icons, and patterns charged with cross-cultural significance. Infused with my love of color psychology and rustic, organic textures, my mixed-media drawings aim to soothe and reinvigorate weary idealists. They're a call to action to visualize better outcomes for our lives, communities, and the planet. Increasingly, my art has been evolving into global conversations, integrating patterns and symbols from every continent to become collective meditations on unity and oneness. 

As an American/Portuguese interdisciplinary artist currently based in Italy, I spent nearly a decade living and working in developing countries. My time in places like Myanmar and Malawi reshaped my creative journey, especially through everyday challenges like unreliable internet and frequent power outages. These limitations reconnected me with my fine art roots and sparked my passion for “slow art”—work that requires no electricity or screens. Each mark I make echoes the stitches of an elaborate quilt or the single frames of an animation. In my mixed media practice, I layer colors, lines, and dots using ink and acrylic on vellum or watercolor paper. The process is a form of meditation—one that helps me tap into deeper states of consciousness and ancient artistic traditions.

I’m especially drawn to the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of Asian and African textiles, baskets, ceramics, and local handicrafts. Western influences include stained-glass windows and the bold outlines and framing structures of comic books. Lately, I’ve been exploring ways to create interactive, collaborative, and multi-sensory environments that blend traditional handmade techniques with contemporary digital tools and technologies.

Why I Make Art

As a teen, I wanted to create art that "healed" people, sparked empathy, and made others feel empowered. While I’ve worn many hats over the years—professor, designer, consultant—I’m now circling back to that original vision. These days, I try to create images that are infused with positive energy and intention. Many of my drawings are built like visual meditations: slow, symbolic, layered with ancestral patterns and symbols. I like to think they offer what I call “impossible gifts”—things you can’t buy in a store, like calm, strength, protection, or abundance. If one of my pieces brings someone comfort or inspiration, I consider that the real success. (*I do get random emails, so something seems to be working!) Curious about the idea of art as an “impossible gift”?  Read the full story and come visit my studio in Rome.

Teaching, Consulting, and Global Projects

As an educator, I’ve taught at universities and organizations on four continents. I co-founded the Digital Media track of the Communication Program at The American University of Rome, where I taught full-time from 2006, earned tenure in 2009, and led the Film and Digital Media Program from 2013 to 2016. From 2016 to 2019, I expanded my teaching to academic institutions and NGOs in Myanmar, including the groundbreaking American University of Myanmar. Currently, I offer in-person, hybrid, and online courses for individuals, international organizations, and universities.

Alongside my art practice, I’ve worked as a designer, educator, and consultant for agencies such as WHO, UNICEF, the British High Commission, CDC, WFP, GIZ, UNDP, UNFPA, and the Australian High Commission. Since 2014, I’ve created training programs for diverse global audiences and reached over 90K online learners in 191 countries—ranging from refugees and diplomats to individuals without formal education—reflecting my deep commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

In addition to fine art prints and original works, I also offer custom, commissioned artwork. You can learn more about that process on this page. A portion of proceeds from my site also helps support grassroots initiatives in Malawi and Myanmar. Learn more
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