Meet Kirsten Mattijsen | Artist and Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kirsten Mattijsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kirsten, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Well, to be perfectly honest, I don’t think I had much choice in the matter. Even if I’d become say a lawyer or purely a businesswoman, something creative would have found me; it’s in my genes on both sides, literally! My mom is artistic, a writer and energy worker, and was a dancer, my father was an artist (albeit never fully realized), a great-grandmother on his side painted, and on my mother’s paternal side, actually come from a famous line of French painters.. I was raised very holistic and creatively, by a mom whose own career was rather creative at the time as a massage therapist, and so grew up accustomed to an unconventional lifestyle. I was pretty much steered into the arts from the time I could hold a pencil (apparently it impressed my mom that I instinctually knew how to hold one “properly”), going to art magnet schools from elementary on. I think that’s what influenced me to where it just never occurred to do anything outside of art or something creative. I have always veered towards the creative just from the freedom of expression and the freedom of schedule, being able to live your life more on your terms and your vision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Mmm. My preferred subject is the female form, specifically pin up and nude, and portraits. I just have always gravitated towards the feminine lines, the ability to explore sensuality and beauty, and just bring positive vibes and appreciation for beauty. One thing that sets me apart from others is my ability to be skilled across many different mediums, creative avenues and styles. I love doing fine art, illustrative art, refinishing furniture, upcycling clothing, all kinds of things. I want to do stained glass, and woodburning! I don’t really have a set style or preferred medium, it kind of goes according to my mood, vision of the piece, the subject or the canvas. I’m very good at taking someone’s idea and actualizing it for them onto paper! That’s what made me want to do cover art and illustrations long ago. I developed a fascination in middle school with Renaissance artists and Alphonse Mucha, then pin up artists in high school, so the majority of my work has influences and elements of those for sure. To be honest, I am still getting to where I would like to be professionally. I’ve taken a bit of a more than five year hiatus after having my third, and then my last baby. Before that, I was primarily focused on school, massage therapy and raising kiddos that my art fell to the wayside outside of school, but at least I was still doing art. The last few years have been extremely challenging personally, which has actually propelled me more to the point that I have to get back to it, doing art consistently and developing a professional vision. The goal I am narrowing in on is a brand for a customized uppcycled clothing brand for women, men and children/babies. I am excellent at thrift store finds, and I love wearing something that no one else has. I’ve overcome many challenges just from being able to ride the wave, so to speak; understanding that nothing bad lasts forever and there is always a way forward, you just may not be able to see it at the moment. When things feel overwhelming, take a break and reset. Trust the process and the journey; sometimes life doesn’t go how you planned it, but it goes the way it was supposed to. I would want the world to know that while I’m still in the thick of this mothering of littles phase, I’ve always been a bad-ass artist and she’s busting out!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I don’t get to go out as much as my extroverted, adventurous and spontaneous side would like, but I do have hip friends and keep an ear out for places to bookmark, and there are certain nostalgic places that are standard. For a peaceful day by the water, gotta love Matheson Hammock – less crowded than the beaches, with views of Biscayne and downtown. I’ve always wanted to visit the Spanish Monastery, so I’d go on an adventure with them there. On the way, we’d make a stop for cafe con leche! I grew up going to French bakeries in MO and Ft. Lauderdale, and The Chocolate Fashion in Coral Gables or Sunset is the closest thing to those, so a visit would be a must. I really like out of the way spots, parks, being a tourist in my city and discovering the places that are unique to where you live, and experiencing new things, so I’d probably also add something like a walking tour of Opa-Locka or a visit to Fireman Derek’s in Wynwood (it’s been on my list for too long).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It sounds corny, but it would have to be my mother, for she was the one who recognized something, and encouraged and guided me into art. I had this one incredible drawing teacher in elementary school called Ms. Koble, who left an indelible mark on how I approached art and pushed me to go outside my comfort zone. She had this great big personality and really imparted a love for art. I always remember how she gave us these huge pieces of paper when we would draw from live models, and at first I drew the whole person really little, smack in the middle. She told me to draw only a small portion really big, use up all the space. I’ve been great at proportions and composition ever since and I give her all the credit. My husband, Jesse, has always been supportive and encouraging of me pursuing different artistic avenues, even when it takes me a long time to follow through. Haha

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miami_mattijsen/