Kristen Hawkes is a Santa Barbara, California based contemporary painter and jewelry designer lelamooi.com. Anyone who lingers with one of her paintings for a few moments will ultimately take notice of the splashes of bright and distinctive colors that dance across the canvas. She typically works in acrylic, often using a palette knife to layer and build the vision. Her painting style is intuitive and fluid. Kristen approaches jewelry design in the same way she approaches a painting. The goal is to stay connected and open to whatever comes with each piece.
Kristen studied formally at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California graduating with a degree in Applied Art and Design. She continued her studies at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco and Los Angeles. After being formally trained as a graphic designer she worked professionally in this capacity for many years. Continued exploration opened doors in the fields of fashion design, visual display, and advertising.
Kristen's past experiences have included running her own businesses as well as working for large companies. Her diverse career and interest in travel led her to live and work in various communities across the United states (including Los Angeles, Portland and New York), as well as time in Europe. One of her most inspiring memories was overseeing a group of designers at an ad agency in Amsterdam. She found living in Europe and working in this capacity life changing. Followed this experience Kristen spent time painting in San Miguel De Allende, Mexico. It was this opportunity that allowed her to explore and commit to her future as a working fine artist.
Kristen has been showing her paintings in galleries for over 15 years and has private collectors throughout the United States. She has found pleasure and inspiration volunteering teaching art to kids through the Santa Barbara school district.
In addition Kristen has spent the last five years exploring her passion for designing fine jewelry. She launched her business lelamooi in 2021 and shows her fine hand-crafted pieces in high-end boutiques and salons throughout the United States. Many more beautiful locations are on the horizon. For further information check out @lelamooi on Instagram and Facebook and go to lelamooi.com