If you listen to an artist tell their story of how they “got their start,” you’ll seldom hear that they always knew they would be an artist, creating art full-time from the get-go. The story often begins with a more traditional career path, perhaps encouraged by familial or societal expectations. But then something happens—a disruption, a lifestyle change, a newfound purpose—and they inevitably shift their focus to exercising their artistic gift.
For Atlanta painter Kristen Giorgi, it was the birth of her daughter three years ago. The desire to pull away from her desk job to spend more time with her child had Giorgi looking to turn art from a hobby into a career. After collaborating with her best friend Laura (who also happens to be her sister), NG Collective Studio was born.
Each of Giorgi’s pieces is a result of experimentation, musical inspiration, and “ongoing text and phone critiques” from her BFF. If this process sounds like you group-texting about an outfit choice on a Saturday night, it’s not far off. The artist’s appreciation of fashion and design shines through in her thoughtful use of color and shape.
Here, Giorgi discusses what brought her to Atlanta and how she gained her appreciation for the arts.
CommonCreativ ATL: Tell us about how NG Collective Studio got its start.
Kristen Giorgi: I worked as a merchandiser for a clothing company for years. I have always painted, but I put it in my back pocket for a while and only pulled it out as a hobby. After the birth of my daughter I knew I was done with the desk job, but still wanted to work. I consulted my sister Laura—also a painter—and we decided to get back into our love of painting (we have always wanted to do something together artistically). NG Collective Studio was born from there. NG stands for our last names, Naples and Giorgi.
Kristen Giorgi
CC: What brought you to Atlanta?
KG: Laura and I are from Hudson—a little New England-style town outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Laura still resides there, but I moved to Atlanta in 2006 right after I graduated from Kent State University. My now-husband and I were dating long distance, so he is really what brought me down here. I cannot believe it’s almost been 10 years!
CC: Where do you think your love of art comes from?
KG: Laura and I are very fortunate to have a mother who has a strong appreciation and love for the arts. She would bring us to plays, expose us to music and take us to museums. She has also been collecting art for years and her house is covered in interesting pieces. Growing up I thought it was a bit much, but now I can appreciate how cool it really is and how she has influenced us to not only be artists, but collectors as well.
CC: Where do you find inspiration?
KG: I often find inspiration in fashion, but really it comes from so many random places. I mix paint on the floor of my studio and sometimes I’ll see a few colors unintentionally placed together from separate painting sessions and I’ll decide to use them as a color story in a new piece.
CC: Your pieces feel thoughtful, layered and complex. Tell us about your artistic process.
KG: I’m so glad they come across that way! There is truly so much intention in them. I usually start by feeling out the under layer. It’s often a watery, soft base. Layers are gradually added as I go. In most cases I don’t start out with a clear end result in mind—I like to see where the brush (and music!) takes me. Music is a must while working.
CC: Aside from painting, do you practice any other forms of art?
KG: I love interior design. A lot of what I paint is designed focused. I love to picture the space it will end up in. I also really love music, but don’t practice it myself. That would just be cruel to listeners.
CC: Any big plans for the year, artistic or otherwise?
KG: We have a few fun press opportunities coming up (like an interview with the Glitter Guide site) and a show on April 21st at Dixon Rye on Atlanta’s Westside.
CC: What has you most excited in the Atlanta arts community?
KG: I really like there’s a major focus on the art community here. It’s truly become such a strong subculture. It’s exciting to me that I get to be associated with a community of such talented people.
You can view more of Kristen Giorgi’s work on her portfolio site or Instagram.
