Caribbean
My love of the
flora and fauna of the tropics began in the 70’s when I worked as a
flight attendant, flying a turn-around to the Bahamas five days a
week. The shimmering, translucent turquoise of the Caribbean Sea was
my panacea to melt away the hustle and bustle of my life in
Washington, D.C. In the years that followed I took several
winter vacations to numerous Caribbean islands. My most memorable
was a stay at Trois Islets on Martinique. Here I found everything
charming - the people, the culture, the cuisine and the quaint
Gauguin museum nestled in the mountains. This romantic vacation gave
me the final impetus to actually move to the Caribbean . St. Thomas
in the Virgin Islands became my destination.
I moved there in the early 80’s and quickly found my niche with
fellow artists/artisans at Mt. Top, a tourist mecca overlooking
spectacular Magen’s Bay. This magnificent view (acclaimed as one of
the world’s most beautiful views by National Geographic) inspired my
Minnesota earth tones to blossom into the jewel tones of fuschia,
purple and turquoise. These became my trademark colors for my silk
batik scarves and wearable art line along with my ‘Kristin of St.
Thomas’ signature. My batik painting themes quickly changed to
tropical fish, birds, and flowers .
I enjoyed meeting tourists from around the world who came on cruise
ships or stayed at the island’s many fine hotels and resorts.
My adventures exploring the Caribbean - sailing, snorkeling, and
hiking through the tropical terrain of its many islands were the
inspiration for my work then and now...
Toucan in Yellow
batik on silk
artist's collection
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Martinique market girl
with antheriums
batik on silk
artist's collection
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