When you look back on a lifetime and think of what has been given to the world by your presence, your fugitive presence, inevitably you think of your art, whatever it may be, as the gift you have made to the world in acknowledgment of the gift you have been given, which is the life itself... That work is not an expression of the desire for praise or recognition, or prizes, but the deepest manifestation of your gratitude for the gift of life.

Stanley Kunitz, American Poet

About the ARTIST

~Nevertheless, She Artisted
PictureKarin and Lulu, 2009

​As early as 3rd Grade, with a passion for both books and drawing, it was clear to me by that time that I would grow up to be either a librarian or an artist.

I especially loved folk and fairytales and Greek Myths, and the illustrations that went along with them. My earliest drawings were almost always of fairy tale princesses.

The beginning of my artistic journey started with a BA in Illustration and Design, and I worked as both a freelance/in-house illustrator and designer for many years. However, after the birth of my daughter in 2007 I realized my true calling was to tell my OWN stories with my OWN artwork (Having a baby leads to ruthless prioritizing). 

About the ART

My art reflects my love of story, myths, fairytales or folktales with magical illustrations. Archetypes, Symbolism, the Divine Feminine, Womens' Empowerment or the Feminine Psyche are rich resources for me as well. 
My work utilizes my training and love of illustrative artwork, and is inspired by the techniques of Traditional Icon Writing  and Medieval paintings. I have worked in a range of mediums from acrylic paint to linoleum printing to mixed media. Currently I work with egg tempera and gold or silver leaf.

Random Fun Facts about the ARTIST

Picture
Karin and Maggie, 2017. Photograph jimshuimages.com
Other places to find me....
Facebook: http://facebook.com/KarinOriginalArt
Instagram: @karinbolstadart
Twitter: @karinbolstadart
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kboscho
Email: karin@karinbolstad.com
  • I was born in N. St. Paul MN, but grew up in Seattle Washington, and now live on an island in the Salish Sea.
  • Because I took a workshop with Fred Wessel in 2018, I am a "descendant" teacher-to-student from Fra Angelico (see the lineage HERE)
  • My father was from Norway, and part of my heart belongs to the land of fjords, fjells, and fiske.
  • I am a certified aromatherapist, but not practicing. 
  • I have a condition called "General Anxiety Disorder", but who doesn't these days?
  • I rowed crew from the age of 27 to the age of 32.
  • My first dog family member as an adult was a majestic and otherworldly creature, an Irish Wolfhound, named Oskar.  The Irish Wolfhound is also my Patronus, of COURSE. You can find your Patronus HERE.​
  • I'm a blusher. It was worse as a child, thankfully. 
  • Superpowers I wish I had: the ability to sing, dance and play all instruments really well and the ability to speak all languages, including all species of the animal kingdom.

WOW TALK 2017

Women of Whidbey Talk:
Art, Anxiety + Activism