We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristin DeAngelis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kristin, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
“If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on.” – Steve Jobs
Throughout my journey, I’ve learned that doors will always open, even if they aren’t the ones I initially planned to walk through. Embracing new opportunities isn’t about giving up; it’s about evolving and becoming more receptive to refining my path.
I made a significant career shift, committing 18 months to gaining experience in a new field. Along the way, there were moments of doubt, but each challenge strengthened my resolve to redefine success on my own terms. My passion fueled my persistence, guiding me closer to where I envisioned myself thriving.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve had the opportunity to work across various industries, with a recent focus on the art world where I wear multiple hats including community partner, art advocate, curator, and educator…. And now add managing art logistics and one occasion, art clients. Interestingly, many are often surprised to discover that I’m also a practicing artist, and a multi-media one at that.
Despite offering advice to artists, managing my own artistic practice presents its own set of challenges. A good friend once wisely noted that it all comes down to the choices we make with our time, especially outside the structured environment of education. Balancing work commitments, home life, and social engagements, finding time for my art often means traveling to a studio separate from both work and home just to use a printmaking press—it’s no small feat.
However, I’ve learned the importance of simply showing up and making some art, even on the most challenging days. Persistence is key. Don’t give up. If it’s worth it, it will work out.
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?
One of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday is with no agenda other than exploring art galleries in Chelsea or the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I enjoy the freedom of wandering at my own pace, taking in the beauty of the City and exploring galleries that catch my eye through their windows. Along the way, I make sure to start with some coffee, discover new restaurants, and savor the day with friends. I typically have a list of exhibitions I’m interested in, but I prefer not to set a strict schedule. For me, experiencing art and the social aspects of the day feels like a delightful treasure hunt!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Shoutout is so many people. I have been fortunate to have colleagues, family, mentors and friends that have given me thoughts, support, life lessons, freedom and guardrails. I have taken ideas, inspiration and words of wisdom and made them my own.
Recently, a close friend made a passing remark that struck a chord with me and continues to resonate. During our morning walks during COVID before we headed to our respective ‘home offices,’ I was navigating a lucrative contract job, striving to secure a permanent position that didn’t align with my passion for the arts, where I had previously found fulfillment despite financial challenges.
My friends often asked if I would return to the arts, and I would often shrug in response. One day, while walking alone with MariKay, she turned to me and said: ‘This job… it’s fine…. for now.’ She looked at me for one more moment and then headed to her home which was in the opposite direction that I was walking. Her words made me pause and they lingered. I felt she was implying that I was destined for more – something I think I was just waiting for someone to say to me. It was a pivotal moment of realization. While I needed to be in that role at that time, it wasn’t where I belonged long-term.
Months later, I returned to the arts, and soon after, I found myself appointed as the Director of Community Outreach at Mana Contemporary. I now understand MariKay’s insight: ‘This job… it’s fine…. for now.’ It reminds me that while I currently find fulfillment in one place, it’s okay to acknowledge when it’s time to move forward.”
So my Shoutout is to MariKay.
Website: https://deangelisart.com
Instagram: @kjdeangelis @107bowersgallery
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-j-deangelis/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kjdeangelis
Image Credits
Personal image with my artwork: Danielle Scott
Image in front of my art at Mana Contemporary Fall 2023 Open Studio: Stan Easton, The City of Jersey City
Image as Deputy Director at Art Fair 14C: Andy O’Beirne
Image with art apron as Educator: Selfie
Image in Dan Flavin Exhibition at Mana Contemporary: Sean Williams