8.31.2020

KRISTINE & COLIN POOLE - ROMANCING THE CLAY

                                  




(Because I'm not making studio visits, many of the photographs were provided by the artists)


This gorgeous and talented couple met dancing.  And,  what are the chances that they not only could dance the tango together beautifully, but would begin sculpting together beautifully?  A love story on the dance floor...and in the studio...


Although Kristine and Colin  both lived in Santa Fe, It took them 20 years to find each other. But when they met in 2008 and stepped onto that dance floor, it only took them a year to marry and begin their extraordinary collaborative journey creating their CHIMERICAL CREATURES.


These other-worldly, life-sized ceramic sculptures seamlessly blend human and animal forms into beguiling creatures that are  both familiar and wonderfully mysterious. "Each figure is based on a particular world myth," explains Kristine. "But it also tells its own story through the viewer's imagination." 


Q. When did you both know you wanted to be artists? 

K. "I was born to be an artist," explains Kristine. "For as long as I can remember I've been creating art from anything I could wrap my mind around and get my hands on. One of my earliest memories is of my mom lifting me up on a high chair at our kitchen counter so I could draw. From that point, I never stopped creating."

C. "My grandmother, sculptor, UNA HANBURY (1909-1990),  was my mentor and hero," says Colin. Her work is in the National Portrait Gallery and in museums around the world, including the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. She seeded lessons in my childhood that continue to blossom." 


Spinner of Dreams - Kristine & Colin


Birth of the Muse - oil painting on linen  - Colin



Born of Root and Stone - bronze - Colin


Daskal - The Allegory of Membership - Kristine 



Equina - Kristina & Colin



Q. How does your collaboration work?

K&C "Neither of us had collaborated with another artist before. We were both extremely private and introspective about our work; we wouldn't have wanted anyone to see it, let alone touch it, before we were finished. But with our sculpture series, we became one person with four hands and two minds creating each piece. It feels like the most natural thing in the world for us to work together as closely as we do in creating these works."

Photo courtesy of Dave Robinson


Equina - Kristina & Colin


They begin by selecting the pose together and then the myth. Kristine sculpts the human part of the figure, and when they  choose the animal  that will suit both the myth and the energy of the body, Colin sculpts the creature's head. And then they meld the two together and finish every detail.

"Part of what is unique about how we work is that we both bring specialized backgrounds to the table," explains Kristine. "My extensive background in ceramic sculpture and anatomical study is the perfect complement to Colin's 25 years of experience as a professional painter and sculptor."
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Their studio accommodates both their collaborative undertakings as well as their individual work.  And Colin's prized collection of his Grandmother's sculpting tools are finding new life.




The Kiln





Birth of the Muse -  The Highlands -  oil painting on linen  - Colin





Now for a visual tour of their beautiful
GALLERY SPACE















Q. If you could create a larger-than-life sculpture anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be and  what mythological head would you choose?

K & C "We would choose to feature our Chimerical Creatures in the TUILERIES GARDENS outside the Musee du Louvre in Paris. These beautiful gardens and the Louvre are very dear to both of us. We've Tangoed in the gardens by moonlight, spent countless hours wandering  the museum, and enjoyed leisurely picnics in the sun near the Grand Bassin Octagonal admiring the permanent outdoor collection of historical sculptures."





"We would use these figures as the inspiration for contemporary interpretations of their myths and allegories, ultimately incorporating myths from other world cultures as well. We can envision our creatures cavorting through the grass,  lounging under the trees and interacting with their permanent counterparts around the pool. "


K R I S T I N E   &  C O L I N   P O O L E
For Gallery Appointments

505.983.8008



Join Kristine & Colin for 18 separate events - their full schedule of talks, demos and panels - Over 400 artists from around the
world will be participating.


Concept Art, Imaginative Realism and Fantasy Art


Sliding scale of payment!




A WONDERFUL, MAGICAL AND FREE CLASS OFFERED BY AN EXTRAORDINARY ARTIST.



Relics of a Lost Civilization 
 Creating your own tribe and its' artifacts 

 by Darlene Olivia McElroy | darleneoliviamcelroy.com
©2020 Darlene Olivia McElroy

A FREE-ON LINE FACEBOOK CLASS BEGINNING MONDAY, AUGUST 31
GO to FACEBOOK & search Relics of a Lost Civilization.
Then join the class...no specific time.  FREE

INTRODUCTION

During these unusual times, it is important to have our own special community. Think of the power that you have to create your own lost civilization/tribe and all the adornments for your civilization. Your tribe may pull from movies, mythology, worldwide cultures and more. “Relics of a Lost Civilization” will guide you through the process of discovering and creating the artifacts that embellish your tribe. It will also lead you in defining and naming civilization, creating artifacts and brainstorming different ways to present the final pieces of art. Your pieces do not have to be life size, conventional, or even tangible. Perhaps you would rather do a painting, write a poem, embroider, create medieval recipes or perhaps something crazy-silly. 



Anything goes. Note: I see this as an evolving class meant to be enjoyable and exploratory. It will be equally fun for me, as this is my first time to do a class like this and I hope we will all be able to enjoy all my goofs and gaffes as I learn along with you. What is asked of you Participate and share what you learn. Feel free to jump in and out of the class, do just the projects that motivate you, and invite your friends to join. Note: As Queen, I have the right to block you if you do not mind your manners.

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AND PLEASE FOLLOW CHASING SANTA FE
 ON INSTAGRAM