Capturing the Essence with Kristy Chisholm | In Conversation

In a city bursting at the seams with creative potential, there is a unique drive amongst its artists— a relentless pursuit to be involved in every form of self-expression. Kristy Chisholm embodies this spirit. A talented artist and photographer, her dual passion for art and music has led her on a multi-faceted journey through the world of mixed media and live music photography. Chisholm’s path was shaped early on, first starting with a meaningful piece she created in honor of her late aunt. Growing up in an environment teeming with other creatives, it was only natural that she would embrace the artistic legacy surrounding her and carve out her own distinctive place within it.

As she evolved, Chisholm’s passion for live show photography emerged from the desire to capture high-intensity moments, preserving them as vibrant memories for both fans and artists. At the same time, whilst studying at an art college, she has deepened her exploration of mixed media artwork which has allowed her to expand her artistic horizons and express herself in more innovative ways.

KQ: What initially drew you to live show photography and mixed media art? Was there a specific moment or influence that led you down this path?

KC: I’ve always felt a very specific draw to live show photography. The thought of a high-intensity moment being captured into a little box really interested me. I thought it was cool for a fan to be able to look back at a moment where they felt understood and inspired by an artist, but then I thought it would be cooler for the artist to be able to look back at that moment as a keepsake of the time in their lives when they were inspiring others.

Mixed media has been something that I’ve always had an interest in but it wasn’t until recently that I really dived into. I come from a family of artists so it’s something I’ve always found myself surrounded by. When I was in sixth grade my aunt passed away and to honor her my other aunt and I created a piece for her memorial. In the piece we added feathers, pebbles, figurines, we even added a real purse. That’s when I’ll say I initially got into mixed media. It wasn’t until I finished my first semester at College for Creative Studies that I felt a new spark for creating mixed media. That semester I learned how to cut wood and the second I got out of school I went and bought myself a handheld jigsaw and basically never looked back.

Photo by Kristy Chisholm

KQ: Can you tell us about your creative process? How do you approach a new piece, especially when combining wooden cutouts and collaging techniques?

KC: This might sound a little cliché, but the idea behind the pieces sometimes just comes to me. I could be checking out at the grocery store and I’ll just get an idea. From there I’ll gather my materials either by old scraps of things I have laying around, or sometimes I’ll have to go out and find what I’m looking for. I just try to make the piece as interactive as I can— whether that’s from a physical approach or a visual one. When it comes to making the piece, I feel that I work best when I’m feeling completely free. To help myself get to that state I like to throw on some music and just let things flow. For whatever reason, wearing an outfit that I feel the most like myself in, regardless of how practical it is for the task, helps me tap into myself which, ultimately, helps me with creating pieces.

KQ: Your mixed media pieces are quite unique. How do you choose the materials and themes?

KC: When it comes to choosing the themes, I’ve always found myself drawn to figures of entertainment. Particularly the funky ones. Putting together a series of pieces that all correlate to the same theme is something that I like to do. I find myself using bright colors and patterns to draw your eye in. With that being said, using a wide array of different materials and mediums gives the pieces the whimsical feeling that I want the viewer to experience. I try to give all of my pieces character so choosing what materials I want to use is important. So far I’ve found myself using a lot of different fabrics, as well as newspaper. I also like putting old prints of my paintings into my pieces. When it boils down to it, the sky’s the limit as to what I can use to make a piece.

KQ: What role does storytelling play in your mixed media art? Do you have a particular message or feeling you aim to convey through your work?

KC: I’d say I have an unconventional way of integrating storytelling into my art. I want to create pieces that appeal to everyone. With that being said, I leave the interpretation of my pieces to the audience's point of view. I try not to put an obvious meaning into what I’m creating. I think the character of the piece is more important. Whether your goal is to see art that is visually appealing, or if your goal is to find an emotional response to my work, I just want people to have an enjoyable experience.

Work by Kristy Chisholm

KQ: What do you find most challenging and rewarding about capturing live performances through photography?

KC: I think the most challenging thing about capturing live performances would have to be respecting people’s boundaries. You never want to be the person that is overwhelming the band/artist. You also don’t want to be the person who's bothering people in the crowd. You just need to be conscientious of those around you while still making sure you get the shot.

With that being said, getting THE shot is a pretty cool feeling. When you capture a moment that is so unique there's just a feeling that you get that’s indescribable. Not to mention the reaction from the person in the photo. It’s really cool. The rewards definitely outweigh the challenges.

KQ: How does your experience as a photographer influence your approach to your other artistic practices?

KC: It’s honestly funny you ask that. My original plan was to use the photos I took as another medium in my art. I would print out the photos that I took and make them larger scale and then cut them out and use those cutouts in my mixed media artworks. It wasn’t until a trip that I took to Zimbabwe with some other artists that I actually found myself drawn to photography for the photo aspect rather than using it as a material for my pieces.

Photo by Kristy Chisholm

KQ: Where do you see yourself going with your art in the next few years? Are there any specific goals or dreams you're striving to achieve?

KC: As of right now my goal is to continue to build my portfolio. I have a lot of ideas of things that I want to create so hopefully by that time all of those ideas will be out in the real world. I’m just hoping that I get to continue to express myself however that may be. Whether that’s through, mixed media, photography, or maybe even some music endeavors.

KQ: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists who want to explore multiple disciplines like you do, what would it be?

KC: I would say go for it! Never limit yourself to the thought of “what if.” As an artist, it’s important that we continue to explore all forms of art. You never know what you could find yourself drawn to if you just allow yourself to figure it out.

KQ: If you could choose any specific film, book or album that you feel has consistently shown up for you and inspired you throughout your life and career, what would that be and why?

KC: I’d say Hotel California by the Eagles and Full Moon Fever by Tom Petty were two of my favorite albums that definitely resonated with me. I’ve always found myself drawn to the sound of the Old West aesthetic so I think that’s why those albums really drew me in. From a drumming standpoint, I have to pay homage to Tré Cool, Ringo Starr, Sheila E., Keith Moon and Sandy West. They paved a cool path that made me so interested in the drums in the first place