Views From Above
From 2020 to Present
This is a collection of recent works inspired by nature at my feet. You don’t have to look far to find something intriguing, curious, or downright stunning. It’s the magic of nature. Watch any toddler outdoors visiting a state or regional park for the first time. They are completely present and all around them, they experience awe. Everything is amazing. Out in nature, I am reunited with my younger self, apart from ego and worries.
“That which is above is like that which is below,
and that which is below is like that which is above,
to accomplish the miracle of one thing.”
—Hermes Trismegistus, Emerald Tablet
I Will Wait For You Forever
Watercolor on 300lb 100% Cotton Hot Press Fabriano Watercolor Paper. 28” H x 33.5” W. Framed. © 2022 Kristin Maija Peterson I $2100
ABOUT THIS PIECE
One early spring I spotted this rock nestled beyond the backyard of our townhome rental within the bounds of a wetland-protected area. It looked like it had been waiting there for a very long time, grasses old and newly sprouting surrounding the rock with a single leaf holding vigil. Time runs differently in nature. It’s patient and circular, not bound by hours or schedules. If this rock could talk it would ask you to simply be, to find stillness. Take your time, it will wait for you forever.
This Is Not A Weed No. 1
Watercolor on 300lb 100% Cotton Hot Press Fabriano Watercolor Paper. 28” H x 28” W. Framed. © 2021 Kristin Maija Peterson I $2000
ABOUT THIS PIECE
At the center in soft mint green is a Common Mullein. While it is not native to Minnesota prairies, it stands tall alongside the wildflowers. Its signature stalk doesn’t appear until its second year of growth. A member of the Snapdragon (or Figwort) Family, it has many medicinal purposes that I discovered in The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D. and Claude Davis. I no longer label plants as “weeds” as they are probably good for something or someone.
This Is Not A Weed No. 2
Watercolor on 300lb 100% Cotton Hot Press Fabriano Watercolor Paper. 28” H x 28” W. Framed. © 2022 Kristin Maija Peterson I $2000
ABOUT THIS PIECE
My second take at Common Mullein. This one was spotted on an autumn afternoon in Lebanon Regional Park hanging out with what I dare say is my nemesis, the Cocklebur. Though I do have to say that at times Cocklebur can look like a lovely ornamental plant (like Hosta) until it acquires its burs. Still, it’s a lovely view from above with all its color and texture.
Watery Planets
Watercolor on 300lb 100% Cotton Hot Press Fabriano Watercolor Paper. 32.25” H x 26.5” W. Framed. © 2021 Kristin Maija Peterson I $2000
ABOUT THIS PIECE
I know the importance of looking up. Yet, there is a lot of time I find myself looking down. There at my feet among the pebbly trail is quite literally a terrestrial cosmos with its enormous (in the scheme of things) hydraulic moon orbited by many watery worlds including one draped with just a sliver of a spoon-shaped leaf. There is such wonder and awe in the natural world. There is Magic everywhere if you take the time to be still in the space you happen to find yourself and just look.
Little Spring Thing
Watercolor on 300lb 100% Cotton Hot Press Fabriano Watercolor Paper. 28” H x 28” W. Framed. © 2021 Kristin Maija Peterson I $2000
ABOUT THIS PIECE
Walking Lebanon Hills Regional Park one lovely spring day, I look down and see this new woody-stemmed shoot with leaves that seem to glow in the diffused light of the forest. I have yet to be able to properly identify what this plant is called. No matter. It’s one of the beautiful discoveries of the season.
Tiny Universes
Watercolor on 300lb Cold Press Arches
21” H x 21” W. Framed. © 2021 Kristin Maija Peterson
$800 (Won Best In Show in Extremely Minnesota Exhibit 2022)
ABOUT THIS PIECE
Inspiration is everywhere and often it shows up at my feet. There where I stand, I will find an assortment of organisms, all living together among minerals and matter that falls from the trees. To the casual observer, it may look like nothing, just weeds, and moss growing on rocks. To me, they are like “Tiny Universes.”
From the little I know about mosses, looking at their soft, bright green patches, I’m probably seeing more than one species of moss co-mingling, though they could be in fierce competition with each other over resources.
Every plant we encounter has a common name, one that’s easy to remember. Mosses are not given the same consideration and referred to only by their scientific names. That explains why I don’t know a single moss by its name. Sadly, I wouldn’t remember it.
Some people disdain moss and want it removed from their yards. I know others who wish to be buried in it. Like fungi, mosses are an ancient organism as they, too, break down organic matter to replenish the soil. Perhaps their most astounding feat is turning boulders into sand. Never underestimate the tenacity of a plant.
TEN PERCENT
10% of all Terra Kind Studio’s annual sales of original artwork and prints are donated to nonprofits working on environmental and climate change issues. By supporting this local artist, you can have beauty on your walls while doing good in the world.
All artwork shown on this website is protected by copyright law and can not be reproduced without expressed written permission by the artist.
If you like what you see here, be kind and share but don’t steal.
ABOUT
Terra Kind Studio showcases the creative work of visual artist and designer Kristin Maija Peterson. Growing up among prairies, lakes, rivers, and oak savannas along with her project work with environmental nonprofit organizations have collectively influenced her creative path. Kristin works in watercolor, graphite, color pencil, oil pastels and pen and ink, interpreting in detail the beautiful chaos within native wild spaces and its inhabitants found living there. She sees all living creatures as kin and is always kind to spiders.
Contact the Studio
e: hello@terrakindstudio.com
p: 651 318 7100
