Kirsty Nixon is a contemporary New Zealand artist living in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Her vibrant, light-filled paintings celebrate the untamed beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand — from the windswept beaches of the North Island to the soaring mountain ranges of the South.
Drawing inspiration from the land, sea, and native birdlife that surround her, Kirsty’s work invites a quiet moment of reflection — a breath of peace amidst the noise of modern life. With an instinctive eye for colour and composition, she transforms everyday encounters with nature into uplifting works of art that feel both familiar and extraordinary.
Kirsty has been a practising artist since 1997 after a career in graphic design and advertising. In this episode Kirsty talks about how working in advertising led her to having a nervous breakdown of sorts which turned out to be the catalyst for taking a break and finally choosing to become a full time artist.
We talk about:
- how art initially provided an 'out' for her socially and continues to nourish her mental health and well being
- Kirsty's positive connection with NZ artist Tim Wilson and what she gained from his influence
- How her work has evolved over the years and even gone full circle in some ways
- Her strategies for dealing with imposter syndrome and a lack of confidence at times and getting through periods where she has felt discouraged or unmotivated.
Kirsty talks us through her painting style and the different series of works she makes, from the well known NZ native flora and native bird landscape works and her 'roadie' series, to more graphic works incorporating different colour palettes and pattern.
https://www.creativeconnections.nz/post/kirsty-nixon-contemporary-artist
Ngā mihi, thanks for listening!
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