CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS

Krista Walton Potter

is a San Francisco-based artist, illustrator, and ceramicist. Krista Makes, her creative entity, encompasses a range of mediums & artistic pursuits, including an illustrated comic called Late Bloomer.

A bit about Krista, in her own words:

“I am a nonprofit communications specialist by day and a mom to three and an artist…also by day. (I go to sleep very early so I don’t have a nightlife!) I live in San Francisco in the beautiful Richmond district with my husband and three kids, near the trees of Golden Gate Park and San Francisco’s beautiful beaches. I have always considered myself an artist but my enthusiasm–and public sharing of–my art took off in 2020, when I was lucky enough to take a two-month creative sabbatical from my job. It was a dream come true and really allowed me to lean into creating and sharing art in a more dedicated way. I love creating comics, illustrations, and still-life drawings as a way to memorialize and process everyday life.”

Portrait of Krista Walton Potter wearing a blue sweatshirt and sunglasses

Where you can find Krista

@krista_makes

What’s your earliest memory involving flowers?

This question brought back a beautiful memory for me, and one I haven’t thought of for a long time! I grew up in Maui, Hawaii, and I remember floating plumeria flowers down a small ditch on a dirt road in Napili–beautiful white and yellow boats on a gray day.

Watercolor by Krista Walton Potter with yellow flowers and a bee that says "The difference between a flower and a weed is judgment."

What were some of the major points along your creative trajectory?

I have always loved art and always wanted to be an artist. I’ve taken many an art class during my life and have dabbled in so many mediums —ceramics, watercolors, drawing, printmaking, bookmaking… you name it.

I studied and received a minor in Fine Arts Photography in college, and looking back that was not a great experience for me. Everyone took themselves SO seriously! Not my style at all, but I didn’t know any better at the time and it turned me off of art for a while.

I have since found many wonderful resources online that aren’t exactly mentors (in that I don’t know them personally!) but have helped me embrace my identity as an artist and who have helped me keep my hand in the game: Lynda Barry (her Making Comics book was instrumental for me!); Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way; and online watercolor classes from the art supply shop Case for Making in SF are all great resources and accessible anywhere.

What role do flowers play in your life?

I love flowers! What little miracles they are - if you want proof that the goddesses are artists, look no further. When I don’t know what else to make I often paint or doodle flowers–an enduring source of inspiration and beauty.

Drawing of radios and orchids by Krista Walton Potter

Are there personal stories or elements incorporated into your artwork?

I launched a comic series that I intend to return to called Latebloomer comics. I love reclaiming that moniker because I have always felt like a bit of a latebloomer, and when I began really leaning into my identity as an artist in my late 30s, it felt appropriate.

Portrait of Krista Walton Potter sitting outdoors

“There is real energy

to whatever we are creating.

For me, that means following

what feels fun and true.”

Watercolor comic by Krista Walton Potter titled "Mom Island"

What drives your creativity, and how does your work engage with your community, either nearby or online?

As I get older I realize that time is precious! I don’t want to regret not doing things - not creating art, not sharing it, not trying new things or putting myself out there in some way. That’s why I make and share my work now. A lot of the things I shared over the last few years have been inspired by motherhood and by my children, especially during the pandemic. I loved hearing from people when something resonated–it’s such a beautiful way to connect and feel less alone when you hear that other people are experiencing the same challenges (and joys) during this very wild time in our world.

What are some of new areas of work that you’ve started to explore?

Recently I’ve been working on what I’m calling “poem paintings,” which are exactly what they sound like: a painting inspired by and featuring a poem I love. I love reading poetry as a way to access a creative mindset and get into observation mode. I have a goal in 2023 of doing one poem painting a month and try to choose the poem based loosely on themes that are speaking to me that month. It’s really fun and freeing!

I find having a gorgeous poem as the framework for a painting takes some of the pressure off—the anxiety of the blank page is alleviated a little because I already have somewhere to start from. I just started doing this on my own, but on a recent visit to the Met Museum I discovered etchings done by William Blake of his poems—so there is a rich art history lineage to this practice which I think is really fun!

Watercolor paintings by Krista Walton Potter with swatches, brushes, and a palette on a table

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given that’s helped shape your work?

When I was in my early 20s and writing for a (now-defunct) alt-weekly in Los Angeles, I was trying to figure out what to do with my life next. I laid out all my options, which felt so deeply confusing and unclear to me, to my boss and mentor Rebecca, and she said simply, “Follow the energy.”

This was so very woo but also so simple, and I’ve found this has been a super-helpful guiding principle for me not only in life but in creative work, because there is real energy to whatever we are creating. For me, that means following what feels fun and true. That’s when I feel most satisfied with whatever I make.

What’s a non-negotiable for your creative workspace?

Good lighting and music! Some of the forever-classics in my rotation include Fleetwood Mac, Enya, Fiona Apple, Leonard Cohen, and Dolly Parton. I’m also listening to a lot of Big Thief, Lucy Dacus, and Josephine Baker lately.

Portrait of Krista Walton Potter wearing sunglasses and headphones with purple bougainvillea

Comic by Krista Walton Potter featuring parsley in a vase

Krista Walton Potter holding a watercolor painting of irises

What’s been the most surprising reaction to your work, and what’s your ongoing vision for your art?

Honestly I was surprised that people liked it! I hope to create a ‘zine this year, perhaps also a calendar or some other fun mini projects. Mostly I just want to keep doing it regularly!