Kriss Ham
Linda Strauss-Lewis
Kriss Ham, our May 2015 Artist of the Month, wrote her own biography so well that I’ve decided to use it. Kriss is a sweet, quiet, caring woman and I think her own words reflect that.
“My adventurous life began once I graduated from high school and met my husband Gary. He’s an ambitious man and each time he got a promotion it involved moving to where the work was. We lived in eight different states and enjoyed learning the different cultures, meeting many wonderful people and trying out the local foods. After a lifetime of work, Gary and I both found ourselves without jobs; Arizona beckoned and in 2004 we found PebbleCreek and stayed. Both retired now, we are free to pursue our dreams and loving every minute.”
“Retirement gave me the opportunity to rediscover myself and explore a variety of nurturing experiences. I became a Yoga teacher, an Energy Medicine Practitioner and I also volunteer with Hospice of the Valley. In 2013 Gary persuaded me to join him in a Pen and Ink class taught by Linda Strauss-Lewis, but I was tentative about taking the class. When I was young my two sisters were so talented in drawing, I felt more intimidated than inspired – so drawing was never my creative choice. I much preferred lost wax jewelry, some sculpturing, block printing and spinning wool to make tapestries. So I was surprised at how much fun I had in that class. I drew anything I could find, developing skills that I didn’t know I had. Linda’s teaching methods gave me the confidence to get back into art again. I love discovering that I can do just about anything if I believe I can!”
“I am most inspired by the talented artists here in PebbleCreek. I find that no matter where I am in my artistic journey, everyone I meet is both encouraging and kind. This new phase of my artistic experience began with pen and ink and moved to a love of colored pencil and sculpting. I am excited to see what other wonderful challenges will entice me and how, through my art, I can express joy in my work – and bring a smile to those who see it.”
“The piece I’ve chosen to display is called Witness. It is a colored pencil rendition of a watercolor painting by a Peruvian painter, Victor Martinez. I particularly enjoy the detail and vivid colors of the native dress. Can you see the behind the scenes story shown in their expressions?”
Kriss, welcome to the PC Art Club’s pantheon of Artists of the Month. Readers, you can see Kriss’ art work and a few of her sculptures in the Coyote Room window and at the front desks at the Eagle’s Nest and Tuscany Falls clubhouses.