Kristen Stephen is a Toronto abstract artist creating art that is described as ‘colourful, passionate and insightful’.
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Kristen Stephen Toronto Abstract Artist
What’s the main inspiration for your art?
My artistic inspiration comes from intuitive mark-making and colour theory, with my subconscious guiding the creative process. I focus on dyeing the canvas so that the inks don’t sit on the surface but become an integral part of the structure, influencing the way the artwork evolves. Each painting is unique, responding differently to the materials, which ensures that no two pieces are ever the same. I believe it’s essential to create artwork that cannot be replicated, making each piece an original expression of the moment.
What is the biggest goal you try to achieve with your art?
My primary goal with my art is to create a sense of levity, offering the viewer a moment of introspection and reflection. I aim to evoke a quiet space where emotions can be explored and thoughts can settle, allowing for a deeper connection with both the work and oneself. By engaging with the painting, I hope to inspire a pause, encouraging a sense of calm and personal insight.
What’s your favourite thing about being an abstract artist?
What I love most about being an abstract artist is the freedom to work with colour and engage in an inner dialogue through my creative process. I’m not focused on recreating imagery that can be easily generated by AI or captured through photography. Instead, I’m creating something entirely unique—artwork that doesn’t exist anywhere else. It’s a personal expression. I love working with the materials as a subject matter.
Why did you choose to pursue abstract art and not other styles?
I began my artistic journey experimenting with various forms of art, seeking to understand the rules and, more importantly, what brought me joy as an artist. It wasn’t until I discovered the technique of dyeing the canvas and working with inks that I found my true passion as an abstract artist. This process felt like a natural fit, and it became the medium I love to work with most.
What’s one thing people might not know about you and your art journey so far?
I have dedicated my life to the arts, always striving to surround myself with creativity and artistic expression. Growing up, I worked in my mother’s gallery, which deeply shaped my appreciation for art. I hold degrees in both Art History and Fine Arts, and I regularly attend art shows to stay connected to the ever-evolving world of art. Creating art is a great passion of mine, and I hope to continue painting until I’m 120!
Did you always know you’d be an artist or how has your art journey progressed?
I always knew that I was destined to be an artist and that my life would revolve around the arts. As a child, I would draw endlessly, driven by an instinctive sense that I had one true calling—to create. My journey has progressed from discovering my style and constantly striving to make my work better.
In your opinion, what’s the most important personal characteristic needed for a career as an artist?
Embarking on a journey as an artist requires persistence: you must keep going, keep experimenting, and keep applying yourself, never letting life get in the way of your creative process—though it’s certainly not always easy. It’s important to continue growing and to surround yourself with other artists who inspire and challenge you along the way.
What advice would you give up and coming abstract artists?
My advice to other abstract artists is simple: keep evolving and dive deeper into your practice. Never stop painting—each piece is an opportunity to grow and discover something new.
What’s your most fulfilling and enjoyable experience as an artist so far?
The most enjoyable aspects of being an artist for me are shopping for art materials, painting in my studio, and witnessing the results of my work. I often get into a flow where I lose track of time and forget the act of painting itself, only to be delighted by the final outcome. I also love seeing my work in a client’s home or gallery—it’s incredibly fulfilling and fills me with pride.
Where do you see yourself and your art in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself represented by a gallery and having my work shown at Art Basel. Fingers crossed!
What do you love most about abstract art?
What I love most about abstract art is the exploration of materials and the thoughtful placement of color. It’s also about capturing the moment of the artist’s creation—preserving that unique, fleeting energy and expression in the artwork.
Do you have any favourite quotes?
“I don’t start with a color order, but find the colors as I go.” Helen Frankenthaler
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