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KRISTI KOHUT

Chicago, Illinois

Kristi Kohut’s art philosophy is quite simple: There are no rules. With so much of the art world behind closed doors or within intimidating galleries, Kristi wants her work to be inviting and uplifting. Using bold brights, shiny crystalline touches, mixed mediums and unexpected materials, Kristi creates special pieces that draw the viewer in and radiate joy.

Her journey as an artist began after taking time off from her job as an advertising director when her son was born in 2007. Kristi found that she had a creative force rising from her core, so she picked up a brush and began painting. In a month, her studio was filled with canvases from wall to wall and she knew she was onto something. After honing her craft for several years, Kristi was ready to market her work. But the typical artist’s path and exclusive representation didn’t feel like a fit — she wanted to connect one-on-one with potential buyers. Bucking the norm at the time, Kristi sold her art online and began sharing her story on Instagram. In one click, someone could become a collector and own a first edition, and in one message a person could have a conversation with Kristi. 

Today, Kristi’s work has been featured in over 70 publications, including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Forbes and World of Interiors, and purchased by entrepreneurs, Hall of Fame athletes and magazine editors across four continents. Demand for her work is also increasing: Pieces often sell within minutes of going live on her website, and the value of an original has increased 25% each year since 2014 when she officially established her studio. There is currently a waitlist for commissions through 2020. Kristi’s success shows there is no one-size-fits-all solution to artistry —she’s happy being an outlier — or more aptly, an artlier.