Meet Krista Barnett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krista Barnett.

Hi Krista, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am Minnesota-born and raised, wife, and mama to three wonderful kiddos. I come from a long line of artists, with my father having been an art director for a faith-based magazine for 30 years. He specialized in watercolors, but encouraged his kids to try all art mediums. I gravitated naturally to clay when as a child my siblings and I would dig up local clay from the lake just down the road from us or while taking camping trips by the St Croix River Bed. I would form the gritty gravely rust-colored or gray clay into rudimentary little cups and bowls and bake them in the summer sun. I continued the love affair of ceramics into high school and college and then took a break while my husband went overseas with the US Army and we began to have children. 6 years ago, after a long and painful battle with an autoimmune disease, I craved something. I decided to get back to my passion, clay. But I made a rule for myself; I could only make things that brought me joy. My mission in art became finding the joy in life…even in the little things. I never dreamed that my “therapy” would turn into a thriving business, or that I could make a living doing something that was so incredibly fulfilling. I am incredibly thankful for the gift of this art form and the people who support me so that I can continue to press into the intentionality of joy.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! Lol! We live in a tiny two-bedroom, 1000sq ft home with 3 children. We turned the garage into my studio, which I share with my children’s bikes, trucks, toys and outdoor gear. Its been a challenge navigating full time parenting with operating a full time at home business in such a small space, but hey, my art form is finding joy in the little things, so it starts at home. 😉

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a ceramics artist specializing in hand-built, sculptural and functional pieces. My art explores finding joy in the little things of life and often depicts everyday experiences and scenery in a whimsical and fun way.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Hmmm, I like to think I am blessed. Blessed to have had incredible people reach out to me and give me the opportunity to share my work with the world. I have had many people come alongside me and show support, and it’s very humbling.

Contact Info:

• Website: alabasternorth@etsy.com
• Instagram: @alabaster_north

Image Credits:
Alabaster North Ceramics