Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Kunath.
Hi Allison, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Drawing and painting have always been my primary tools for processing my experiences, and a lot of my early creative skills were built by turning to my sketchbook for entertainment and escape. After spending most of high school in the art department, I accepted a college scholarship to play volleyball in Minnesota where I received a BFA in graphic design. Toeing the line between artist and athlete helped me strike a balance between discipline and freedom that significantly influences the way I approach my work today. After a few years in the design industry, I shifted my attention toward my studio practice and found my way into my first mural projects almost by accident. Today, my practice is a mixture of abstract painting, commercial & residential murals, and design collaborations that allow me to explore products, branding, and interiors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not uncommon for my work to feel like a brand new mountain to climb – especially in seasons of personal transition. As my work evolves and my needs and interests change – my creative process also has to adapt. Often times that can feel like starting over, and there can be a huge amount of inertia to overcome. In those moments, I do my best to remind myself that I’m actually navigating a saddle in between two peaks, and I’ll be on top of the next one soon if I keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In the studio, I explore abstract, minimal paintings – mostly on paper and canvas. And out in the world, I create murals for all sorts of different clients. The two categories have pretty different aesthetics – but I love finding ways to connect both voices together. I don’t subscribe to the pressure to pick a singular style and stay in that lane. When I’m curious about something new, I explore it.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I think the best gift I received from the Covid pandemic was a long stretch of deep rest. I allowed myself to settle into a season with very little creative output – something that felt foreign and extremely uncomfortable. It was brutal at first, but the drawn-out experience eventually helped me embrace the full breadth of my life and continue the work of uncoupling my identity from my work. I used to really struggle with fallow seasons because my entire sense of purpose was tied to creative productivity. In the absence of motivation or a full client schedule, my entire sense of self-worth would crumble. Now, I relate to my work in a more balanced way that feels much healthier – something I’m incredibly grateful for since creative output will always ebb and flow.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.allisonkunath.com
- Instagram: @allisonkunath
Image Credits
Ty Cole, Jim McKay
