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I can't remember  how I found out about Krissi and her wonderful work. I'm pretty sure it had to be me gushing about her sweet little Jack Russell Terrier. She is such an amazing artist! Her choice of colors and content constantly blow me away.


Who is Skelekitty and what is she all about?
She's a hip and feisty skeleton kitty who was introduced to the world in the summer of 2006 when I donated the very first piece, “Skelekitty & Skelemouse,” to a local feline rescue's annual fundraiser. I have always loved animals and became fascinated with the Day of the Dead celebration when I lived in San Francisco's Mission District I suspected that the spirit of Dia de los Muertos (that is, celebrating the lives of loved ones) fit in perfectly with a kitty adoption organization. Pretty soon, people started asking to see more of Skelekitty, so I (eventually) created a whole line featuring Skelekitty and her skelecritter pals.

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How did you get started with your art? Do you have any shows coming up?
I've been a compulsive crafter since my teen years when (GEEK ALERT) I started painting D&D figurines with teeny tiny little brushes. 20 years later I began experimenting with scrapbooking techniques and learned to quilt. As the looks I wanted to achieve became limited by the medium of art quilts, I started taking classes and experimenting with mixed media. I am currently using pyrography (burning) techniques on wooden plaques and artist panels onto which I place multiple layers of translucent acrylic colors and mixed media.

Thanks so much for asking! I am participating in several group shows this year. Right now, my piece “A Girl and Her Cat” is at MINT Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia for the “Not You” artist self-portrait show. Sacramento's VOX Gallery has a group show called “Let Me Count The Ways” in February and I will be submitting several pieces to that. I am also working to build up my collection of available art in the hopes of finding a gallery to host a solo show in late 2010 or early 2011 – wish me luck!

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What inspires you?
My inspirations are many and varied 'm inspired by various aspects of popular culture including television shows like Doctor Who and The Venture Bros.,

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Do you have a website or a blog?
Oh yes! Several!
Skelekitty has one of each at skelekitty.com and skelekitty.blogspot.com
My art & life blog is krissisandvik.blogspot.com and I am working on updating my website.
Photos of my artwork and family (including our wonderful dog, Abby the Wonder-Jack) is viewable on Flickr (flickr.com/misskrissi).

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What kind of advice would you give to your fans/the masses
Do what you love and love what you do. Listen to your critics, but don't let them rule your life.

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Bonus Question!

Favorite and least favorite Dr. Who character.
I think the same character is the answer to both parts of that question: The angel statue creatures from “Blink.”

Krissi is just simply awesome! I love her zest for life! She has such an amazing outlook! I love that no matter what is happening, she takes it on with sass, smarts and color. She is one tough cookie! Her smile is infectious, so be careful-she just might win you over.