We are beyond excited to introduce our newest RO artist collab...say hello to the endlessly creative Kristina Forrest! A surface pattern designer and painter based in Brisbane, Kristina's world is all about bold shapes, joyful colour and finding little sparks of inspiration in the everyday.
When she's not mixing up a fresh palette, you'll find her at home in her little Queenslander cottage with her husband and three kids, sneaking in a morning walk, or (plot twist) playing keys and flute in not one, not two, but three bands!
We sat down with Kristina to chat all about creativity, colour, and why a matcha bowl might just be her secret weapon for a good day.
When she's not mixing up a fresh palette, you'll find her at home in her little Queenslander cottage with her husband and three kids, sneaking in a morning walk, or (plot twist) playing keys and flute in not one, not two, but three bands!
We sat down with Kristina to chat all about creativity, colour, and why a matcha bowl might just be her secret weapon for a good day.
RO: First things first, tell us a bit about the wonderful world you live in!
KF: I'm a creativity obsessed artist and surface pattern designer based in Meanjin/Brisbane. My work is bold, colourful and playful, celebrating pattern, colour and joyful living. I'm drawn to strong graphic shapes, vibrant palettes and playful compositions, often combining stripes, florals and colour blocking to create artworks that I hope feel uplifting and fun. I live with my husband and 3 kids in my little Queenslander cottage. I love creativity in all forms, creating art, surface pattern designs, sewing and music are my biggest joys, apart from time spent with my family.
RO: What sparks your inspiration and keeps those creative fires burning?
KF: I think my inspiration comes from a lot of places...seeing a random colour combination when I'm out and about, it might be something very random like a couple of coloured books on a shelf together, or cars of different colours waiting at the lights, or a pair of socks and shoes that a kid is wearing on the street. I store these ideas in my mind for later experimentation. Flowers and nature on my morning walks give me a buzz. I'm also a lover of pretty much all Japanese design - posters, fabrics, packaging and all the rest - so it's always inspiring to visit that obsession :D A trip to the art gallery is also very inspiring. My work is very "Summer" based, bright and joyful, so when our family goes to the beach I always get plenty of inspo for my next creative output, whether it's a painting or a pattern collection.
KF: I'm a creativity obsessed artist and surface pattern designer based in Meanjin/Brisbane. My work is bold, colourful and playful, celebrating pattern, colour and joyful living. I'm drawn to strong graphic shapes, vibrant palettes and playful compositions, often combining stripes, florals and colour blocking to create artworks that I hope feel uplifting and fun. I live with my husband and 3 kids in my little Queenslander cottage. I love creativity in all forms, creating art, surface pattern designs, sewing and music are my biggest joys, apart from time spent with my family.
RO: What sparks your inspiration and keeps those creative fires burning?
KF: I think my inspiration comes from a lot of places...seeing a random colour combination when I'm out and about, it might be something very random like a couple of coloured books on a shelf together, or cars of different colours waiting at the lights, or a pair of socks and shoes that a kid is wearing on the street. I store these ideas in my mind for later experimentation. Flowers and nature on my morning walks give me a buzz. I'm also a lover of pretty much all Japanese design - posters, fabrics, packaging and all the rest - so it's always inspiring to visit that obsession :D A trip to the art gallery is also very inspiring. My work is very "Summer" based, bright and joyful, so when our family goes to the beach I always get plenty of inspo for my next creative output, whether it's a painting or a pattern collection.
RO: What does a typical day in your creative world actually look like?
KF: I love a morning walk to clear my head and put my thoughts and ideas in order for the day ahead. Most days I really like to take 10 minutes with my traditional matcha bowl and have some quiet meditation time where I may write in my planner and get any thoughts and ideas out on paper. Some days it's too crazy with the kids, but it's one of my favourite moments in the day when I get to do that.
RO: If you had to describe your artwork in just three words, what would they be?
KF: Pattern, joy, colour.
KF: I love a morning walk to clear my head and put my thoughts and ideas in order for the day ahead. Most days I really like to take 10 minutes with my traditional matcha bowl and have some quiet meditation time where I may write in my planner and get any thoughts and ideas out on paper. Some days it's too crazy with the kids, but it's one of my favourite moments in the day when I get to do that.
RO: If you had to describe your artwork in just three words, what would they be?
KF: Pattern, joy, colour.
RO: Running your own creative biz can be such a ride, what's the best and trickiest part for you?
KF: Best thing is the creative output, the flexibility and being in control of what I can achieve without having to wait for other people to be on board. The worst is keeping up with all the admin side of the business... marketing, emails, pitching, editing (and on and on!)...sometimes it's hard to even get to the creative work!
RO: What do you hope people feel when they see your work?
KF: I hope my artwork will create a happy vibe in people's spaces. I know the world can be a tough place and I'm a big believer in finding joy in the simple things. A splash of colour here and there can really help to elevate your mood, so I hope with my art and designs, my work will filter a little more joy into the daily lives of people who experience it.
RO: OK, we need to know...what's something totally unexpected about you?
KF: I'm also a musician and play keys, flute and melodica in 3 bands Kingfisha, District Dub City and a new studio project Mid Pyramid, and I teach piano to a handful of wonderful students.
RO: What advice would you give someone chasing their creative dreams?
KF: Follow that voice inside you and experiment and play. It doesn't have to be perfect, just have fun! We live in an amazing time when you can learn anything!
RO: Any other ways you share your love of creativity with the world?
KF: I love sharing my love of designing patterns for fabric with creative people, and I offer a fun online course in pattern design where beginners learn to create repeating patterns and the steps of how to save files and print perfect patterns on fabric. It's been so wonderful to connect with my students and see their joy in learning this fun skill.
We're so thrilled to have Kristina's bold, joyful energy joining the Ruby Olive family!
THE RO X KRISTINA FORREST COLLECTION LAUNCHES THURSDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER.
Follow Kristina on Instagram: @kristinaforrestcreative
See more of her work: kristinaforrest.com
KF: I'm also a musician and play keys, flute and melodica in 3 bands Kingfisha, District Dub City and a new studio project Mid Pyramid, and I teach piano to a handful of wonderful students.
RO: What advice would you give someone chasing their creative dreams?
KF: Follow that voice inside you and experiment and play. It doesn't have to be perfect, just have fun! We live in an amazing time when you can learn anything!
RO: Any other ways you share your love of creativity with the world?
KF: I love sharing my love of designing patterns for fabric with creative people, and I offer a fun online course in pattern design where beginners learn to create repeating patterns and the steps of how to save files and print perfect patterns on fabric. It's been so wonderful to connect with my students and see their joy in learning this fun skill.
We're so thrilled to have Kristina's bold, joyful energy joining the Ruby Olive family!
THE RO X KRISTINA FORREST COLLECTION LAUNCHES THURSDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER.
Follow Kristina on Instagram: @kristinaforrestcreative
See more of her work: kristinaforrest.com
