Artists

A Day With: Kristin Kossi

Kristin Kossi is a up and coming artist from Germany whose energetic pop artworks have place her on the path to success. A former model, Kossi’s works often employ symbols from pop-culture to explore and critique consumerism, globalization and the popular imagination. We caught up with Kristin to learn all about how this exciting artist spends her work days. From coffee in bed to her bright, spacious studio in Berlin, Kristin takes us through a day in the life.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

First thing in the morning I need a coffee! I love to have 1-2 coffees in bed and to read news feed on my phone and to answer mails. Then I`m ready to kick start the day!

What inspires you to create every day?

I think i have an urge to create and it comes automatically. I love the process of the experimentation and creation and I don`t obey many rules in doing so. This makes me feel alive and I need that like I need air to breath!

Kristin Kossi, ‘Play Me,’ 2013, Acrylic on Canvas, 125x165cm.

What does your work space look like?

My studio is my happy place. It`s absolutely white and bright, and has plenty of space, which makes me feel happy. I also live on the same floor, so it`s very convenient for me.

Describe the core of your technique or style.

Heavy layers of oil, scribbles and spray paint and how it plays on my subject are the main components that get the creative juices flowing. I like to build a visual rhythm in my paintings. I paint, for instance, faces because I find them to be incredibly beautiful and intense. I liberate my self-expression from words like “should” and “must,” and, instead, I embrace abstract painting as well as explorations of portrait realism as a way to discover what my true artistic sensibility is. I paint in oil on linen with a palette knife. What comes out are expressive portraits with explosions of layering abstract shapes and lines.
My Pop Art series on the other hand is a mix of different techniques and styles where i intensely combine colors and vibrancy, using everything from spray paint to newspaper collage, markers, oil, acrylic and resin.

Kristin Kossi, ‘Einstein Selfie,’ 2017, Acrylic, Collage, Graffiti, Spray paint, Resin on Canvas, 70x70cm.

What are your top 3 studio essentials?

I always create with music, preferably electronic and deep house, this is what brings that extra explosion and energy into my work!

How do you know or decide when an artwork is finished?

When i feel that I`m ready, I want to separate from the painting. I will stand in front of it and when I have nothing to add and improve anymore, I consider it finished and have to push it out. And once it’s out, it takes on a life of its own.

Kristin Kossi, ‘Chanel Cocain,’ 2018, Acrylic, Collage, Colored pencil, Spray paint, Resin on Canvas, 20x20cm.

What do you like to do to unwind after a day’s work?

It really depends, sometimes I like to chill and have a glass of wine after I’ve completed a huge piece and sometimes I will go party with friends and sometimes I’ll just do nothing. Most of the time i work through the year pretty much creating every day and then I’ll take time off at the end of the year and go travel to South Africa to recharge my batteries and to get new inspiration.

What’s your overall favorite aspect of the creative process?

The freedom of options and the happiness of doing things hourly and daily that I enjoy.

Thank you, Kristin! See more of her amazing art work on Singulart.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *