Lilongwe, Malawi in Southeastern Africa is indeed a long, long way away and we are happy to travel over the Zoom waves to visit with artist, designer, educator and mentor, Kristen Palana. Valerie met Kristen virtually a few months ago as a student in Kristen's Web Presence and Social Media Marketing class through Mastrius.com. Through Mastius, Kristen, Armin and Val are now colleague mentors with many other artists across the globe. It's a great opportunity to bring collective art knowledge to our podcast.

Kristen's artist statement is rich with optimism and positivity contrasted with bringing awareness to the reality of our planet.

“I draw the world not as it is but how I wish it could be. Inspired by the lofty mission statements and development goals used by the world's top organizations, my images can be used to imagine better outcomes for our lives, communities, and the planet. I'm currently developing a body of drawings that move beyond making creative visualizations at the individual level to expand to include the larger global community.

I use symbols, icons, and patterns with cross-cultural significance combined with color psychology to help soothe, heal, and reinvigorate weary idealists. My backgrounds are not always content to remain quietly in the background. Through highly charged color choices, energetic lines, and regional and global textile patterns commonly made by and for women, these backgrounds sometimes ask nicely and other times demand with exasperation to be seen, heard, accepted, and appreciated.” - Kristen Palana

You will hear Kristen describe how this is a "move year" for their family. It is the year where they find out the next adventurous location they will live and make home. That process can be daunting and exhilarating but always unpredictable. She and her husband are providing a lifestyle for their sons that will send them into adult life well prepared to adapt and excel. Very exciting times ahead for Kristen! We wish her all the very best.

Here are show notes to learn even more about Kristen Palana and her art and life.

Kristen Palana's Website

Kristen's Mastrius Information

Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art Interview with Kristen Palana