Audio By Carbonatix
Phoenix is brimming with creativity. And every other year, we put the spotlight on 100 of the city’s creative forces. Leading up to the release of this year’s Best of Phoenix issue, we’re profiling 100 more. Welcome to the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives. Up today: 59. Kerstin Dale.
You might not guess it at first look, but artist Kerstin Dale‘s major source of artistic inspiration is Arizona — and the Grand Canyon, in particular.
She’s lived all over the state, and while Dale is technically based in Flagstaff at the moment, the artist always seems to be popping up around Phoenix. The artist and Grand Canyon river guide recently won a Contemporary Forum grant and was featured in Halt Gallery’s debut exhibition, “Roaming with Abandon,” which featured pieces from Dale’s Colorado River-inspired plywood series.
See also: Phoenix Artist Emily Costello: 100 Creatives
Fresh off a few weeks spent at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, Dale caught up with Jackalope Ranch to discuss the Phoenix creative scene and how she defines good work.
I came to Arizona with my family, when I was 3 years old. I have lived in Phoenix, Tucson, and currently reside in Flagstaff. Besides a couple years in Chicago for an MFA, Arizona is my home.
I make art because it’s in my blood. I’m lucky; my father is an artist. Being creative is an essential part of “living.”
I’m most productive when I have time to be at home. As a Grand Canyon River Guide, when I’m not on the river I am at home in my studio. Having blocks of time off to be creative lets me delve deeply into each new sculpture.
My inspiration wall is full of images of the Grand Canyon.
I’ve learned most from… It’s hard to say, everyday bring new opportunities and learning moments. I think the key is to continue being creative is to realize when a new inspiration comes your way to take advantage of the situation.
Good work should always… Good “work” is a combination of elements; conceptual development, creative uses of materials and quality craftsmanship are all essential.
The Phoenix creative scene could use more people that support the arts!
See the 2014 edition of 100 Creatives:
100. Bill Dambrova
99. Niki Blaker
98. Jeff Slim
97. Beth May
96. Doug Bell
95. Daniel Langhans
94. Nanibaa Beck
93. Nicole Royse
92. Ib Andersen
91. Casandra Hernandez
90. Chris Reed
89. Shelby Maticic
88. Olivia Timmons
87. Courtney Price
86. Travis Mills
85. Catrina Kahler
84. Angel Castro
83. Cole Reed
82. Lisa Albinger
81. Larry Madrigal
80. Julieta Felix
79. Lauren Strohacker
78. Levi Christiansen
77. Thomas Porter
76. Carrie Leigh Hobson
75. Cody Carpenter
74. Jon Jenkins
73. Aurelie Flores
72. Michelle Ponce
71. Devin Fleenor
70. Noelle Martinez
69. Bucky Miller
68. Liliana Gomez
67. Jake Friedman
66. Clarita Lulić
65. Randy Murray
64. Mo Neuharth
63. Jeremy Hamman
62. La Muñeca
61. Kevin Goldman
60. Emily Costello
