Inspired by the raw, basic nature of folk art and her childhood memories, artist Mystele creates thoughtful and expressive mixed media paintings. Enjoy her work and visit her website for more.
“Steady On” Mixed Media on Paper, 14″ x 11″
I never expected to be an artist. I wanted to encourage people as a nurse, teacher, social worker or singer when I grew up. In my immediate family, I was surrounded by makers, a brilliant teacher, a geology lover, an actor, a cowboy, singers and athletes. Creativity runs through all of those things, and now I can see how much my familial creativity laid the groundwork for my life today.
“Saturday Stroll” Mixed Media on Paper, 9″ x 12″
As a kid, I read like crazy, wrote and illustrated stories, pretended all the time with my imaginary friends, took piano lessons and participated in piano competitions, acted in school and community plays, competed in poetry reading contests, and loved school and learning. I do remember enjoying drawing assignments like the ear canal in fifth grade health class and a Christmas themed Scooby Doo in third grade, but I never, ever thought about being a visual artist. Cancer would change that.
“Madness” Mixed Media on Paper, 9″ x 12″
When I was eleven, almost twelve, cancer knocked on my door. I was treated with chemotherapy and radiation, and obviously, God kept me here. Eventually, the long-term side effects of the treatment began to show up, and, as an adult, I ended up with a nice assortment of lifelong chronic illnesses.
“Kindreds” Mixed Media on Art Board, 8″ x 10″
Being at the mercy of a fickle body began to take its toll on me, and, consequently, I struggled with depression for years.
“Signs of Life” Mixed Media on Paper, 4″ x 12″
In the fall of 2007, the floodgate broke, and I finally got help. The creative embers in me caught fire again, little by little. I was more myself than I’d been in a very long time, so much so that one day in February, 2008 I asked God what I should do next. He said, “Try sketching.”
“Proverbs” Mixed Media on Wood, 6″ x 6″
I was intrigued, but didn’t share the answer to prayer with anyone. The very next morning I opened an email from one of my Flickr contacts who invited me to join her doodling group. That was a pretty clear confirmation, and it was the beginning of one of the most special blessings in my life.
Artist Mystele Kirkeeng in her studio
February, 2018 marked ten years of an incredible adventure as an emerging mixed media folk artist. I enjoy the creative process more and more every day.
“Floodgate” Mixed Media on Paper, 11″ x 15″
I work intuitively and abstract my subjects from the chaotic mixed media grounds I create. I’m inspired by my childhood, my ethnicity, my affinity for old things and the landscape of Northwest Texas where I grew up.
“Let Them Drink Tea” Mixed Media on Wood, 16″ x 20″
Life with Jesus at the center, my two beautiful sons, national and global issues and simple things like a good cup of coffee get me going, too. I can’t get enough of the doing, discovering, not knowing what’s next and sharing my passion for the creative process with others.
“Light” Mixed Media on Wood, 9.5″ x 13.5″
There are times when I wish God had connected me more clearly with visual art when I was younger, but ultimately, I know that everything I’ve done and been through is essential in making me the person and artist I am today. My whole story matters, and yours does, too. Keep going.
Artist Mystele invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Beautiful and insightful work. Loved walking your gallery.
Thank you so much, Patricia!!
I love you, daughter! Your artwork is so inspirational. I’m grateful, as your dad would have been, to know that our family has been a guiding presence in how God is using your art ministry to touch lives in many parts of this word.
Mom
Thanks, Mom!
Congrats on this article. I’ve been following you since 2009. I adore you and your art.
Peace and Paint,
Debbie
Hi, Debbie!! Thank you so much for all of your kind words over the years. xo
I feel there’s a special energy that This artist taps into… from a jumble of layers, textures, media she brings forth soulful images … in the videos you see the moment an eye or a mouth BECOMES more than a mark on the page. She’s truly talented and inspiring!
Well said, Wanda. Mystele’s art does have a magical quality that connects with the viewer. I love her work!
Thank you, Carolyn!! I truly am so honored!!
So very kind! You touched my heart today.
Love the work and love the sweet soul of this artist. There is something very kind about her that I really like.
Thank you so much, Kelly.
I was introduce to Mystele via Irit Avraham. Your work generates in me joy, a feeling of being gentleness (is that a word it IS a feeling) and a feeling of being blessed to enjoy your work. Wish you did more videos. Thank you for sharing Janice
You, your work, your words, you videos, your writings give me inspiration when I thought there was none to be had. Your work holds so much Soul. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world.
Blessings 🙏
I found you this evening when I was checking out artists who will be with Carla in her newest offering. I love joyful work and the palette you use.
I also found you via Carla’s (who I love 😊) class offering, and am in awe of your whole artistic process. It’s amazing and wonderful things appear in the end. Thank you for sharing your work. Blessings.
You know how much I love you your artwork and Jesus. God bless you sweet Mystele .
I’m just an Instagram follower who hasn’t posted much at all, who has been moved to comment on the art and process you’ve shared.
Our stories, tho our backgrounds and upbringing may have been quite different, are similar. I particularly identify with your focus on sketching; the Flickr group, the possible (probable?) divine inspiration or, perhaps, divine motivation that came as you pulled out of the depression.
Please keep sharing. Enjoy this journey!