The Work of M.K.Hart
Kalli Hendrickson (M.K.Hart) is a mixed-media artist and writer living and working in Point Loma, CA. She grew up engaging daily with the beauty of the mountains of Montana. After graduating with two degrees from Montana State University and showing her work at various Bozeman art venues, she moved to Australia. While living “down under”, she taught art classes, started a business, and helped creatives process life utilizing workshops with artists and churches in the area. Over the last decade, she has been mentoring a new generation of artists through art education.
Today, Kalli is continuing to teach and mentor in the area of arts education, while growing her own creative practices & business. She has an affinity for the ocean, and a good coffee, both affections developed during her time abroad.
“My paintings are an exploration of my faith, life, and prayers. Often, painting is my way of wrestling through what I think or my current circumstances to find a golden thread: the true, the good, and the beautiful. Someone once told me, “you can see God in everything and miss Him in anything.” That has stayed with me and become a bit of a Where’s Waldo-like challenge. I enjoy the mystery and hope my work alludes to that search.
Within my work are visual snapshots of my understanding: emotions I’ve lived through, places I’ve lived, meaningful objects, and people I’ve loved. Most of my work begins with the technique of image transfer. I love the unpredictible nature of this process and as a result, it typically leaves me with space to problem solve. I think problems are part of life and often how we work our way through them is what makes us resilient. In my work, solving visual space with color and brushstrokes becomes the way in which I discover meaning in the metaphors I create. Watercolor, India ink, and mediums that create flowing and pooling help me fill the space in a light manner that adds to the life in the painting. I want to give the impression of growth and movement in the work. From there I balance imagery with acrylics and add texture typically with ink or paint markers.
Theme examples in my work include: transition, the blooming process, and becoming more deeply rooted in my identity. There are extraordinary discoveries to be made through the creative process, and each painting captivates me, revealing insight into my spirit that transcends the circumstances I am in. My hope is that my viewers will relate with my work, encounter the themes, and feel inspired.”
Today, Kalli’s love for the ocean is evident in her work. She references it often as a symbol that mirrors the depths of the heart. Utilizing color, light, and textured brush strokes, her work evokes a sense of wonder while exploring the connection between the wild and ethereal world she paints and the deep essence of our existence as human beings.
Kalli’s work has been shown Nationally and Internationally in various locations, including Bozeman, Montana, Cortiano, Italy, and Brisbane, Australia.
Recent Exhibitions include:
March 22-25, 2024- The Breath & The Clay Artist Gathering Exhibition, Winston-Salem North Carolina
November ‘23- January 2024 - North Coast Calvary Chapel Exhibition-
October, 2023 - Las Laguna Art Gallery, Online Exhibition- Storytellers
May, 2023 - Santa Fe Christian Schools, Solana Beach, CA- Exhibition and Sale
June, 2023 - Sparks Gallery, San Diego, CA- Exhibition to benefit the CityBallet
July, 2023 - The Portal School, Bozeman, MT- Creative Art Demonstration
Previous shows include Montana State University, Bozeman Art Walks, Brisbane, Australia, and Cortiano, Italy.
