Kristina Zallinger

Hamden, Connecticut, USA

kristinazallinger@yahoo.com

A Short Biography

Both of my parents were artists, so I feel that I was one in a prenatal sense. My Father had accomplished great strides in the art world by completing the monumental murals of the Age of Reptiles and that of Mammals at the Peabody Museum in New Haven. My Mother illustrated children's nature books, mostly for libraries. With their encouragement I began, at a young age, to development my talents. Was it genes? Was it environment? I think a little of both.

After taking all the art courses I could at a liberal arts college called Lake Erie, located in Ohio, I transferblue my credits to the University of Hartford Art School, from which I received my degree in 1969. The school provided a well-rounded classical training in their approach to educating artists. The quest for the BFA in Painting took five years to accomplish. I completed two thesis shows in forth and fifth year, plus two written thesis papers. Upon graduating, I had received yearly book awards, the much sought after Gedney Bunce medal, the Regent's Honor Award, had appeared in "Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges", as well as graduating first in my class, Magna Cum Laude.

After finishing the Art School, I set out to find a job, which, as you know, can be a dubious effort for an artist. However, I was able to find a position at Famous Artists School, then in Westport, CT. There I worked as an instructor in the Young Peoples Art Course. Even though there can be a great deal of controversy over correspondence schools, I felt that the students could achieve maximum instruction if the teacher contributed personal attention. I tried to do this by giving the children as much information about their work as possible. I handled mostly the beginner's lessons and the animal lessons.

After two years and several local shows, I decided to attend graduate school. My decision was partially made by my pioneer spirit, I would guess, which lead me to The University of Montana in Missoula, where I enrolled in the painting curriculum. This educational endeavor proved to be very positive. The countryside was beautiful and my lifestyle changed drastically. Not only was I involved in my own graduate program, but I became a component and friend of the Indian Art Program at the university. My interest in Native American traditions, art, history and other aspects of these wonderful people blossomed. There are seven Reservations in Montana and I tried to attend as many pow-pows and cultural events as I could. My art also changed to reflect these influences. I began to do totems and hide paintings, as well as other visual explorations of the Native American world. In my second year thesis show I held my own during the scrutiny of my newly found work. I graduated with I felt was two degrees, that of painting in the regular program as well as the Indian Art one. I received a double-dose of education.

Upon graduating from the University of Montana with an MFA in Painting, I needed to face reality and find a job, preferably in Missoula. I had already taught as a teacher's assistant and one year as a Professor in the areas of design and layout/lettering. At that point I happened to see a position as Graphics/Illustrator for the City/County Planning Office, advertised in the classifieds. I took the opportunity and ended up staying there for eight years. It was a great experience as I learned a great deal about an area of which I had limited experience. My personal artwork literally ground to a halt because of my intense involvement with my job and my increasing social affiliations. Things were going well, for the most part, until my life was suddenly interrupted.

The effects of the Bi-Polar illness (Manic-Depression, shared by my Father), set in. I returned to the New Haven area to be cared for by my family. I took many retail jobs just to stay alive. Finally, after diagnosis, I began a new life of delusions, depression, maniac behavior and pain. More than twenty years went by, as I dealt with this horrible disease. Of course, my artwork took a back seat to my struggle with the illness. It was not until 2000 that I produced a series of found object sculpture. Unfortunately, this expression of creativity came during a manic episode. At this time I was offered a show in Manhattan in late 2001, but 911 caused a great deal of confusion and drastic change in the City. Subsequently the Gallery closed. This was a disappointment because one of my career goals is to also show in New York. I realize that this dream of many artists but I decided to chase it. I also was chosen to exhibit in the Pleiades Gallery. The Juror was the Director of Contemporary Art at the Whitney Museum. I was honored to be included. I was hospitalized six more times before the right medication was found. Now I am working on the road to recovery from my former life. This new beginning showed its light five years ago. It is always a risk to mention having a mental illness, because of stigma, but I found it necessary to include it in my Biography.

I began to bloom as an Abstract Expressionist painter with emphasis on color and texture.

At this point, I am a member of Artship, a program of Fellowship Place. This organization supports many people with mental health issues. Included in a serious group of artists, we exhibit at different venues in New Haven and surrounding communities. One show we had was in the new gallery space of Davenport College at Yale. There is a group called Mind Matters in which the students are involved with our cause. We are very privileged to be recognized as regular people with a quest for freedom and acceptance. Without Artship I probably wouldn't be as productive as I am today. I have attained my goal of showing in New York City by having an exhibit at the Agora Gallery in May, 2009. At the end of this month I will be a part of an exhibition in Ferrara, Italy. I am entering many shows, including those online, where I and beginning to attain prizes and recognition for my work. I have become an advocate for the mental health community, establishing a strong rapport with the members of the State Senate, the Legislators and the Governor. I have written many published articles on the subject of mental health.

I am sure that I will finally get the chance to enter the art world with conviction. I am determined to make a mark with my work. I feel very confident and pleased with what I am doing. I am happy and feel renewed. Five years ago, after my last hospitalization I began my new life. This is it!

- December, 2008