Kirsten Busse - Painter

A Very Brief Autobiography:

I studied Theatre at Brigham Young University and minored in Studio Art. I took classes in painting, performance art, and drawing. I occasionally work as a stage manager, but now I am shifting my focus to becoming a full-time painter. I find inspiration in the gorgeous landscapes that surround me here in Utah. My current body of work is mostly oil, with the occasional foray into acrylic and pastel. I am drawn to sunsets, silhouettes, nostalgia, the worn and the weary.

I paint when my emotions are too big to express in any other way. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the beauty of a sunset, or struck by a sudden yearning for a childhood that I will never have again. I hope viewers can connect with these feelings and see pieces of their own lives reflected in my work.

Kirsten stands in a large cave passage decorated with speleothems.

I am inspired by the grainy and gritty or everyday life. I love shooting on film and using those as references for painting, but also capturing sunsets on my blurry phone camera while on an evening run.

When I'm not creating, I love spending my time doing an assortment of outdoor activities, including running, climbing, hiking, and caving. I enjoy reading, board games, and general shenanigans with my friends.

Thanks for taking the time to peruse my portfolio. I believe art has the power to bring communities together and ultimately change the world.