Kirsten Ann Blackburn

Kirsten A. Blackburn is a California-born artist living in New York City. Growing up in 1970's Palo Alto, her parents were jewelry fabricators acquainted with artists, musicians, and craftspeople whose counter-culture leanings were pivotal to Kirsten's developing independent spirit. Following her parents’ lead, Kirsten learned the art of making jewelry, helping to design and sell original creations in the Bay Area and beyond. In sharp contrast, Kirsten’s grandfather was a space program engineer who sparked Kirsten's lifelong fascination with interstellar travel, galactic phenomena, alien life forms, and unexplained mysteries. Adapting the design guidance of her parents with her grandfather's influences, Kirsten first began drawing and painting at a very young age.

In her family’s search for a Utopian lifestyle, they engaged in a year-long trip off the grid in a camper van. The impact of living among the natural world at only 12 years old left Kirsten with an intensely organic aesthetic. Ultimately settling on Orcas Island in Washington State, Kirsten's family lived and worked at the lndralaya Theosophical Retreat Center surrounded by healers, clairvoyants, spiritualists, and theosophical educators who provided a rich tapestry of esoteric teachings. Living on Orcas Island, Kirsten became fascinated by the watery world around her and often studied the abundant sea life and swam in night waters illuminated by the magnificent bioluminescence. Much of her work is inspired by these early experiences.

After graduating in 1991 from Cornish College of Arts with a degree in the Theatre Conservatory Program, Kirsten stayed in Seattle to work on independent film and television production. Concurrently, she continued her need to paint, draw, and design jewelry; frequently exhibiting her art in various local venues.

Currently living and working from her Soho studio in NYC, Kirsten continues to pursue a career in fine art. In her spare time she explores galleries and museums, and enjoys the city's live music scene with her partner, Kurt Feldhun, a filmmaker and musician.