Meet Kersteen A Anderson | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kersteen A Anderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kersteen, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I was always making things as a child, like many of my artist and creative fellows, and because I didn’t know you could do it for a living or be paid, wanted to be a doctor. My parents squashed that (because they knew that wasn’t my passion)
At my college interview, I still didn’t think one could actually have a career in art, and when asked by the counselor what I liked. I stated, “I like to make stuff”. She said, “Then go to Art school”.
Done.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My creative life began as a kid; I made things, drew pictures constantly, and eventually learned to craft and sew from my parents, who were both European-trained as tailors. I landed in art school at CSULB and graduated BFA in Textile and Surface Design. It’s called Fiber now, I think. After a very long and circuitous career loop through sales, home furnishing manufacturing, scenic art for theme park design and finally my own contract/decorative painting company; (I spent 20 years there), and participating in some exceptional creative projects; I finally came home to my fine art roots after scaling my company back about three and a half years ago.

In the earlier days, I was a single divorced parent with 2 small children. Navigating the hectic scenic schedule (I worked in Burbank and lived in Manhattan Beach) to eventually starting a subcontracting business here in the desert was always a challenge. Not wanting to sound cliche; but entering the very male construction world as a woman with no experience in that field was no joke, either. Eventually, I paved my path, developed an excellent reputation and as with all things, proved my worth by delivering excellent results and dependability.

Because of my background, I’m currently obsessed with the materiality and structure of construction materials. The same ones used daily in the building of a home or commercial building. The stuff we rely on to surround us with sanctuary, safety, and familiarity but never see or touch. So, the forgotten……… The many lives that are responsible for all this are also forgotten when its time for the recipient to move in and claim it as their own. I elevate the material as well as the souls who craft these materials, with all their expertise and experience into the final product.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, it would certainly depend on the time of year, as the “things to do” list expands greatly in the winter. But let’s say, you’re here now, in the summer. It’s bloody hot! Visits to the Palm Springs Art Museum, downtown Palm SPrings, with lunch at 849, Lulus or Kitchen Workshop. Pool time at the Ace Hotel or Saguaro. Then up the mountain to Idylwild where its 10 15 degrees cooler!! Dinner at The Gastronome or Farro.
Couldn’t be here without a tour of The Perez Art District, home to close to 30 artists and their studios

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband Dean Anderson, who is my biggest supporter, encourager, (is that a word?), and fan

Website: http://www.kandersandersonfineart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.andersanderson/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kersteen-anderson-7783998/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kandersonfineart

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kandersanderson