The Artist Life In Bend Oregon: A Journey of Inspiration and Creativity

I found Bend by chance in 2017. I had just graduated Seattle Pacific University with an arts degree and very little spare change working full-time as a manager in retail. A friend recommended that I check out Bend, as he thought it would be an inspiring place for me. A couple of months later I drove down through the rainy mountain pass and checked out downtown Bend. I was there during a first Friday which was bustling and electric. I could feel how the community truly wanted to see artists succeed, which was something that really spoke to me. Between the landscape and the community, I was 100% in.

That summer of 2017 I made the leap. I knew maybe a total of 2 people who were acquaintances but I knew the risk would be worth it do something completely on my own. There is a deep calling in all of us to step into something bold in our lives, and this time was one of them. Leaving the comfort of home for something uncomfortable that could potentially expand myself further. 

After moving I got a small apartment and made the entire living room my art studio. I was obsessed with creating because of the majestic beauty all around. I soon found Smith Rock to be a sanctuary and a place of restoration on my weekends. I began snowshoeing, snowboarding and hiking through trails that left me awe struck with wonder. My art practice felt more inspired and authentic than ever before. 

My time here has been full of ups and downs, but I have expanded into a whole different person. Arriving here as a scared 23 year old and now at 29 years old becoming a bold business owner and creator wasn’t easy. This community has supported me in a way that I never could have imagined, and I truly can’t thank you enough for seeing my potential. Every interaction, sale and kind gesture has kept me going on this creative endeavor. There are times I’ve wanted to quit, or throw the entire thing out the window, but here I am showing up and you’re showing up right alongside me. 

Kristine

The Artist Life In Bend Oregon: A Journey of Inspiration and Creativity

The Not So Glamorous Process

I'm standing directly in front of a large four foot canvas; I've had an idea sitting in my head for months. My ideas finally start to spill out and with it, I also feel a sense of release and tranquility. My hands are jittery because I care so much about how it looks and I am immersed with every brushstroke. This is art. This is the process. I may paint something in a color that I need to cover up; I may take a week to paint something, or it could take over a year because it needed so many revisions. Art is tricky like that, I may think the piece is coming together, and then I realize I don't like it and I reuse the canvas to do something different.

" The Alley" 36x36" by Kristine Cooper

When I was in college someone told me "I wish I was a painter so I could play with paints in a studio all day, sounds like fun". In essence, that individual gave me the impression that they didn't think painting was hard work. But the truth is painting is hard work, and I am so glad I get to be a part of it. It's difficult and challenging, and once I unlock a new design or style, it feels incredible. I am sure that's how all creatives feel. Their work goes through different seasons, but it's still worth the investment. It is a soul purpose.

While the artistic process can sometimes put me in what feels like pothole, I always come back. I take a break from the studio and do what inspires me. While we are still living through a pandemic, so many of my usual things are off the table I thought I'd share what my inspirations are:

• Live music, or if at home blasting music on speakers

• Going to salvage yards and antique stores. Wandering the aisles of strange things from the past always leaves me feeling more inspired

• Hiking and being out in nature.

• Travel. New places are crucial in letting my mind be free to new ideas.

• Cooking, exploring different cuisines from around the world

If you're a creative, what do you do to bring yourself out of a creative rut? Have there been things that have re-energized you through the pandemic?

I curated a playlist specifically to bring some new music to you, for journaling, yoga, cooking or whatever creative moment you want to use it for, click on the image below and enjoy!