Rising Stars: Meet Kristina Newhouse

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristina Newhouse.

Hi Kristina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I studied Communications as an undergraduate at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. One summer in the mid-1980s, I was supposed to go on an archeological field study, but it got canceled. Because I had already budgeted to be in Portland that summer, I decided to stay and take art classes. Lucky for me, Oregon rewarded k-12 art teachers for extended education and I fell in with the most amazing group of school teachers, who came to Lewis and Clark to study ceramics with artist Judy Teufel. It turned all my life plans on their head. Instead of going into journalism or filmmaking, I went into the arts. I received my MFA in Ceramics from California State University Long Beach, where I studied with Tony Marsh and Jay Kvapil. While I was finishing up the program, I began to question whether I needed to be an object maker. I did not want to be an art historian, even though I had to admit I was more interested in ideas than in making things. I organized my very first show while part of an art collective called 34 Degrees (the latitude of Los Angeles County). I enjoyed it so much. I realized curating was my true calling then, as it was both creative and organizational. It told a story. I have worked as a professional curator, in various capacities, since 2001. Now, 20 years later, I am ready to pivot again. I am launching a new career as a consultant to artists, advising them on legacy and estate planning. I will also unveil an oral history website and Instagram page called “What the artist says.” I am very excited to begin this new phase of my life.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No road is smooth in life. Certainly, there are always challenges (bumpy rides, cul-de-sacs, missed exits).

Then there are things you cannot change. In my case, the fact that I did not follow a traditional path into non-commercial galleries and academic museums, where the MA and PhD in Art History are requisite, cut me off from some opportunities. At cultural institutions, they want you to “check boxes” and when your path requires a more nuanced explanation, often they don’t know what to do with you.

Hopefully, that will change. These days, I witness how young people chafe at labels and norms. They are pushing back at societal expectations.​It is fascinating to witness. Here, at mid-pandemic, we have the “Great Resignation” of 2021, with many individuals questioning how the life journey can be undertaken and embarking in new directions. While there are many unknowns, I find it quite exhilarating.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Foremost, I see myself as an arts advocate. It always has meant a lot to create opportunities, through exhibitions or writing, for artists. The thing that makes me happiest is when I hear from an artist how I have brought something new out in their practice, whether in an art show or a magazine review, that they could not have anticipated.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My motto is “be a bridge, not a fortress.” Meet people, respond to their ideas. Share your ideas and opportunities, introduce them to others. It is as a community that artists and cultural producers of all kinds are at their strongest.

When a potential mentor is identified, think less about what you “need” and more about what you can learn. Watch and listen to them. Their smallest gesture or phrase can reveal the most profound insight (which often is not put where you think it should be). Tell them when you have learned from them and express your thanks. None of this is easy for anyone. We all like to know when we have made a difference.

Contact Info:

• Email: kristina@whattheartistsays.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whattheartistsays/

Image Credits:
Kristina Newhouse