Don't wait for the perfect time as there may never be such a thing.
Kirsten Chaisson has carved out a niche that beautifully captures both her environment and her personal experiences. Surrounded by a world where the natural landscape offers endless inspiration and the community thrives with creative energy, she skillfully juggles motherhood, a secondary career, and her passion for painting. Kirsten's journey offers a compelling glimpse into the life of a modern New Brunswick artist who is devoted to her craft while fully embracing her many roles.
Brushstrokes Between Baby Steps
After a decade-long hiatus, Chaisson has returned to painting with renewed vigor, exploring and refining her artistic style. Inspiration strikes during the simplest moments. For Chaisson, the daily drive to and from daycare has become an unexpected source of creativity. "It's a quiet time of day when I can really take in my surroundings and observe light and values in the real world," she says.
Chaisson is currently balancing her artistic pursuits with raising two young children and managing another job, which she admits can sometimes be a predicament. "I naturally get hyper-fixated on a project and like to see it through to the end, but those kinds of time chunks are not possible with tiny humans," she says. Her solution is to weave her creative activities into the fabric of her family life, utilizing nap times and evenings to paint. "It's a challenge, but it's worth it."
Mixing Method and Memories
Often breathing life into what already possesses, such as old canvases or unused paints, Chaisson employs two distinct methods in her artistic process. She often starts with a sketch or a reference photo captured during one of her outdoor adventures, methodically building upon it to realize a pre-envisioned aesthetic. Alternatively, her process can be entirely spontaneous, driven by colours that catch her eye in the moment. "I enjoy both processes for different reasons," Chaisson explains. "One allows me to improve my technical skills and achieve a final look I've been envisioning, and the other is more therapeutic as it offers freedom to explore without fear of failure."
Among her numerous works, one piece stands out—'Jasper', a painting of a mountain range in Jasper National Park. This piece holds a special place in Chaisson’s heart. "I love the image because of the memories attached to it," she says. The painting not only filled a space left by a removed television but also challenged her to venture beyond her comfort zone, leading to a profound sense of accomplishment. "It was the largest painting I'd ever done and in a style I wasn't totally comfortable with," she reflects, yet it remains a source of pride even when she notices its imperfections.
Accessible Art, Prints and Practical Wisdom
Looking ahead, Chaisson is excited about her new projects, including a series of mini landscapes centred around her home near Hammond River. She is also exploring ways to make her art more accessible, such as offering prints and affordable originals. Kirsten Chaisson offers this advice for those starting their artistic journeys: "Begin any sort of daily practice, whether it's on scrap paper, old canvases, or a notepad,” she says. “Don't wait for the perfect time as there may never be such a thing." Her story is a example of how artists demonstrate strength and adaptability by seamlessly integrating their passion for art into everyday life.
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