IDI #2: Kristina Ho

Kristina Ho
account executive at a marketing firm
college art major
ex-maker (printmaking)

my art is so thought and process oriented...(photo-based subtractive prints) that i need to think about everything ahead of time. i already have a concept, a composition (in the photo) and I have a basic idea of how it will look in the end.

I'm not as creative as I used to be, because I am consumed with work. To get back into making, I'd need the structure of a class and the ability to meet with my peers to discuss it.

I think a lot of the reasons why I don't make art is mental--I am afraid to explore the possibilities. I use time and not being able to find the space to do it as an excuse. If i took the time, I could rent studio space or make stuff at home...it's all in my head

it's satisfying to be done [making something], but also intimidating because you don't know what someone else's reaction will be. Does someone else understand or appreciate it? If you're the only one that gets it, it's not worthwhile...I don't ever make things just for myself.

Question 1: How are you creative?

• "I don't think I am anymore."
• I'm not as creative as I used to be, because I am consumed with work (mostly project management)
• my creative outlet is my blog, but I'm not sure who reads it and who my audience is
  
• (me: so why do you say you aren't creative?) I associate creative with art and process oriented rather than a blog, for example...making something has a beginning, middle or end, and takes time.
• for example, my blog is instantaneous, not as process driven, so it's not really that creative
  

Question 2: What motivates you to make?

• or printmaking: deconstructed photos, made you think differently about a moment
• thought out process, based on color and conscious decisions
• her photography-captures a moment of time
• self-motivation now--i love art, i have affinity for it
• now i don't do it because i don't have time, i have lost "my voice", i feel so distanced from it<--i could have time. i feel so removed, i don't know where to begin. to get back into making, i'd need the structure of a class and meet with my peers to discuss it
• i have thoughts about joining a class
• in school, i liked the sense of community because without enough self-motivation, you can talk to other people who are making stuff and get support.
• I'd love to be doing printmaking (wood blocks and screen-printing) but i can't do that at home
• I haven't drawn or doodled to help relax in a long time
  
• I've lost confidence in myself as an artist

Question 3. Can you describe the last time you made something? How did you feel? Where were you?

• last time she made something: she made dinner for her friend Emmy. an appetizer, main course, extravangant meal, planned the menu, went shopping, made it on her own terms
• i enjoy the art of cooking
• instant gratification
• happy when she was cooking--it's something i enjoy and you can save some money and make something new

Question 4. How do you feel before you make something? While you are making something? After you are done?

• before: organized, knew what she needed to do, working on a schedule for myself, what made the most sense--similar to my art making process
• lots of heavy thinking beforehand--i over-think everything in my life
• i get a little stressed, worrying i had not planned out everything
• during: she has pre-planned enough to solve any problems she encountered
• after: satisfying exciting when you take the first bite...worrying about scheduling timing, but when it's all done, she feels relieved
• with cooking it's all about timing...in the beginnning, it's all about her, in the end it's for others
• she doesn't think she ever makes stuff just for herself
• she gets blank canvas syndrome..."in lithography, you're given a blank stone. I don't know what I'm going to draw."

Question 5: Are there any particular parts of the creative process that are challenging for you? Any parts that are easy?

• challenging parts: it's satisfying to be done, but also intimidating because you don't know what someone else's reaction to it is. does someone else understand or appreciate it? if you're the only one that gets it, it's not worthwhile.
• easy parts: she does a lot of planning and process so actually making something is somewhat easy
  

Question 6: Are there any colors, smells, sounds, or tastes you associate with making things?

• yellow oranges--either gray scale or a yellow-orange-red-brown
• garlic-with cooking
• woodblock-wood has a smell, ink, solvent, etc
• if i were in the room and i smelled orange solvent or ink, i'd probably feel inspired to make a print, reminds me "remember when you made that thing..."

Question 7: Is there a particular space (mental or environmental) where you feel more comfortable making things? What is this place like?

• i don't know...at this point, since i haven't made anything, maybe my comfort zone would be a private place
• i'm not ready to share what I'm working on with people at this point
• getting started i'd be alone--the prvacy of my own home
• i wish i had access to a [printing] press in my home

Question 8: Is there a particular space (mental or environmental) that holds you back from expressing yourself creatively? What is this place like?

• i think a lot of the reasons why i don't make art is mental--i am afraid to explore the possibilities
• i use the whole excuse of time and not being able to find the space to do it as an excuse
• if i took the time, i could rent studio space or make stuff at home...it's all in my head

Question 9: How do you make a space your own?

• I try to infuse a splash of color--a brighter color. at my desk or in my home i put stuff up that has personal significance to me
• what speaks to me aesthetically, pretty or nice
• when you get a new job, you decorate your cube to make it reflective of you and comfortable

Question 10: How does a personal, designated space affect your creative experience?

• i guess....you make the space into an area in which you want to create something, or spend time in it
• you make it your own to fit what your needs are in the moment.