Kristin Dunlap (she/her),
Artist Biography:
Kirstin Dunlap’s work is deeply rooted in her understanding of the personal connection between the body and the Earth. Every individual’s life experience is shaped by their relationship with these two bodies—both of which undergo growth, erosion, and decay processes. For Dunlap, there is a striking similarity between these two realms: both are places of tension, where struggles for survival unfold. She sees herself in the fringes of the Earth, in areas where natural forces collide. This conflict, she reflects, mirrors a personal battle within her own body, where her immune system mistakenly attacks itself, resulting in a body that is progressively disabling itself. Despite these physical challenges, Dunlap remains captivated by the beauty and harmony inherent in life. She finds awe in the intricate cycles of nature, from the unseen life beneath the soil to the vast reaches outside the atmosphere. Her practice centers on creating moments of pause, inviting others to reflect on the wonder she experiences in the world around her. Working in both printmaking and installation, she brings attention to elements of nature that astound her, using abstract representations of her own body to address themes of fragility and strength. In her art, Dunlap aims to offer a space for reflection—a brief but profound glimpse into the grandness of life. She recognizes that while she cannot hold the entire world in her hands, she has the ability to capture a sliver of it, filling a room with the power of that moment.
“My approach to teaching stems from my time in community art spaces. While working towards my BFA, I found myself spending more time in local studios than that in my university. In those spaces, I was surrounded by tenured artists, newcomers to the medium, and people like me in between. Despite the range of experience, there was no hierarchy among us. I found that we were constantly teaching one another and learning from one another, in more of a natural dance, as opposed to a strict lesson style. This taught me to trust myself in what I know, but also to approach every situation with an open mind, so that I could learn something great from every interaction I had. Working in print, there is a lot of downtime between tasks as you wait for your screen to dry or your plate to etch. And in those waiting times within the community studios, you would find yourself checking out what others are up to, assisting them if needed, and starting conversations naturally. I loved this way of continuous learning, finding importance in every minute. And most importantly, learning through doing, which gave me the confidence and autonomy I think I was missing. I carry these experiences into the classroom through more hands-on activities, having students assist me in demos, and working collaboratively with one another when possible. I find that this breaks down the nervousness sooner and encourages students to open up and engage. My goal is for the students to feel the same confidence in their craft as I felt, giving them the sense of pride in their practice that they deserve.”
– Kirstin Dunlap on her Teaching Philosophy
