A lifelong art collector, Kristin sought out artists with distinctive, artistic voices and intriguing art practices. While living in DC area, she was fortunate to take drawing classes at The Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, Virginia. Years later, following a series of tragic events her medical career came to an end. Having served on Ward 57 at Walter Reed, she knew intimately the therapeutic strategies “wounded warriors” utilized to recover and strengthen neuro-plasticity. Kristin pulled out detailed maps, listened to never-heard music genres and put brushes to paper. With this commitment to the same “warrior” rehabilitation, not only did her daily life improve, but more importantly, an art practice developed and thrived. Kristin coordinated ergonomic work stations, practices and techniques to accommodate her challenges. Upon returning to her hometown of Dunedin, Florida, she embraced the art community—Dunedin Fine Arts Center (DFAC), Dunedin Creative Art Guild, The Exhibiting Society of Artists`(TESA), Professional Association of Visual Artists (PAVA) and Creative Pinellas. She exhibits monthly in galleries and public settings. If not in her studio, you will find her in workshops or classes, reading art history, as well as carving out time to admire other artists’ works. Today, many of her expressive paintings in acrylic and mixed media intertwine with multiple layers of paint with various levels of viscosity, markings, drips and abstraction. Her results heralded for the depiction of bold, figurative elements which mirror her unfailing motto—“Courageous suffering begets fierce joy.”