We've always said that there must be something in the water in Fairhope, Alabama and while the latest artist to join the Well + Wonder team now spends her days in sunny California, this Fairhope native we can't help but attribute some of her talent to a childhood on the bay. Kristin Durham is a creative director and fine artist with a passion for the creative process. After spending almost 20 years working with lifestyle brands, Kristin found herself back behind the easel, once again, creating vibrant floral collages inspired by the south, where she is originally from. She combines collage with watercolor and gouache to enhance their bold pigments and to create texture. Kristin is a graduate of Auburn University with a focus in painting. After college, she made her way west and now resides in San Rafael, California, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Kristin officially joins the Well + Wonder roster tomorrow at 1pm EST, but today, we wanted to get to know her just a little bit better. Keep reading to learn more about Kristin and join us tomorrow afternoon as we celebrate her and welcome her into the Well + Wonder collection!
What is currently on your nightstand?
A picture of me with my two kiddos, and overnight lip mask (Laneige, go get it if you don’t have it!), and a stack of books.
Who is your biggest influence as an artist and why?
This is more of a what, but I’m influenced by a few things. People (sometimes other artists), my kids, design, fashion, interiors/architecture and photography.
Tell us about your childhood. What is the most memorable moment as a young person?
I grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia and then moved to Spanish Fort, Alabama in high school. Living in the south, I was always outside, and some of my favorite memories are of playing in the woods, looking for interesting plants and flowers, or hiking through a field and creek close to my house. To this day, I still love being outside and with nature—that’s why I fell in love with the bay area. There are endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors!
If you could only have one supply in your art studio, what would it be and why?
A pencil. That’s all you need to capture an idea.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
Our sunroom. It’s a tiny room next to our kitchen, only big enough for a couch and a TV. It’s so cozy and comfortable and I absolutely love it.
What is your biggest score online?
Anything bought on sale, I love a bargain!
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective?
What do you recommend for those that are new to buying original art? Exposure to new artists. I was first introduced to Well + Wonder because of a single artist, but was immediately drawn to a number of other talented women whom I probably wouldn’t have found otherwise. For those new to buying original art, follow your heart.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
The Tate Modern. It has such an incredible collection of art and its enormous. You need a full day, which I’ve never had!
What is your favorite hotel and what makes it special?
The most amazing hotel I’ve ever stayed at is Monasterio in Cusco Peru. It’s actually a 16th century monastery built on an ancient palace. It’s beautiful and the beds were like heaven!
If you were a lipstick color would you be red, pink, or clear and why?
Clear. I’m a fan of natural beauty.
I can never get on a plane without….
Where do I start?! I rarely travel without my family, so I come prepared! You name it, I probably have it.
How did you get into the world of art?
I always loved art and creating growing up. In high school, my art teacher encouraged me to focus on art in college. The rest is history.
What do you do to relax?
It doesn’t sound relaxing, but I run. I am never more relaxed than after a long run.
When do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Also, when running! I always have ideas when I’m out for a run and will send myself text messages, so I don’t forget them.
Prediction for the Color of 2024?
Yellow ochre.
What is your idea of a date night?
Dinner and a movie or dancing all night? Dinner and a movie. My husband and I also love day dates. We’re both pretty active and its fun to get outside together.
Tell us about your favorite painting that you have created.
The first collage that I created. It’s framed in our dining room.
One piece of advice for buying original art?
Follow your heart.
