Pregnant & Living as a Creative Entrepreneur

Art I've made while pregnant

I've questioned whether I should write about this because it feels incredibly vulnerable to share. Did you know I have been afraid of becoming a mom and what it would do to my career. Would people still want to support my art and creativity, or would they see it as a hobby? I realized that I have been living under a lie that I hadn't faced until this new phase. I haven't been able to do the same amount of things as I did earlier in my career having this baby, but you know what? I am healthier, happier and not burnt out. I am taking care of myself in a way that I lacked before. My self talk has shifted from "I should do this" to "let's just try and see how far we can go". I am stopping when my body is calling me to rest, and working when I have the energy, enthusiasm, and life force to create. Truly I feel like I am understanding what it means to go with the flow in a whole new way.

Work In Progress While Pregnant

In August 2023 I had hit a rock bottom place. I wasn't holding strong boundaries, and I had overworked using caffeine as a crutch to give me false energy. I had a large commission that was asked of me to be completed in an unrealistic timeline. I did it to make the client happy and in return I was burnt out. I had been giving and giving and giving without stopping for myself, and that project was the last straw. At a massage late last summer I noticed that I couldn't breathe out very well, and I knew something was wrong. I had to take a large break from painting and work. I stopped drinking coffee (something I had done for 11 years), and slowed down as much as I could. The guilt would creep in every time I rested. A nagging feeling that I wasn't enough unless I finished something. Maybe you can relate? After-all, we live in a hustle culture that rewards working yourself into exhaustion as normal.

I don't think I took a full break from business until I went on my honeymoon to Disney World in Fall 2023. That break shifted my mindset, and I came back recharged for the first time in months. Getting pregnant was a miracle. I didn't plan on this event happening, and I thought due to my crash of energy earlier in the year that it would have been nearly impossible. I have had some tremendous challenges to face while I've been pregnant, but I still feel better than I did last year.

Completed work while pregnant

So truly... what has it been like to be pregnant and running a business like this?

I am honestly so happy that I got to work from my home studio the past 9 months. I've felt that some people want to pause on getting art, or they don't want to burden me while I'm pregnant. The truth is, my art career is the soul, passion and life I CHOSE to live. I am working at a pace that is sustainable today and feels good for me. It's enriched and even better than before I was pregnant. Now I am discovering a new beautiful way to running this business that is life giving and brings me authentic joy.

Thank you for reading along this wild journey and being a part of my life!

Cheers, Kristine Cooper

Pregnant & Living as a Creative Entrepreneur

My top 5 tips for picking out art

Are you in love with the idea of adding art to your home, but completely overwhelmed on what it would feel like to add art to that blank wall? I’ve got some tips for you to make it easier:

1. How does it make you feel?

Does the work leave you with any of these feelings?

• More Alive

• Inspired

• Joy

• A memory

• At peace

• Tears

If a piece has left you with any of these feelings or more, I've got news for you! The artwork is speaking to you. When something speaks to you; it pulls you in and leaves you with more than you arrived with. You cannot go wrong with picking out an artwork if the colors, and presence of the piece speak to who you are.

Art is created from a soul place, which means that I'm not making it from the logical side of the brain. I abandon the thinking brain for a couple of hours, and just create from my truest self. Not only is it powerful to experience as the creator, I often find those same emotions strike the people who bring this art into their home.

2. Painters Tape

Use painters tape and measure to mark out where the corners of a piece may go. For instance, take painters tape to mark out 30” height x 40” width to see how it would feel in the space.

Oftentimes we go on the smaller scale because we’re nervous, BUT I’m telling you a piece that becomes a focal point can become truly so stunning! Don’t be bashful to go big when it’s the right piece.

An example of painters tape in action!

3. Mockup Images

This is a simple way to test out and see how art will look on a wall of your home.

Here are the steps:

1. Place painters tape on the dimensions of the pieces you're considering so I can make the mockups to scale

2. Snap a photo of the wall or walls you're considering

3. Let me know which paintings or prints you want to see on the wall & send your wall images to info@cooperartandabode.com

4. I will send back your images and a few recommendations if you would like!

This process is SO SIMPLE and honestly really fun to try out how things will look. Reach out if you need some help getting started, I'm happy to direct you on what I think may look best.

4. Get art that complements the space

You may be wondering, how can I get art that complements my space. I get this question a LOT, and for good reason! You don't want to invest in a beautiful piece of art only to feel like you have to redo your entire home. I have some good news for you though, art isn't meant to match everything perfectly. From a design perspective you don't want everything in the living room to feel matchy matchy. Doing that will make it feel like a staged home rather than a real home.

The key to getting a complementary piece is:

• Get a frame that matches other work in the space. This simple step really elevates and makes the piece coordinate with other work.

• Make sure at least 1 color is repeated elsewhere in the room. Say the painting you like has turquoise water, if you have couple of turquoise items in the room (a pillow or a throw blanket) it can really pull the space together.

• If you have a more neutrals palette home, the beauty of bringing in a bold statement piece of art is that this becomes the show stopper. It doesn't need to match anything and should exist as a foundational part of the home.

5. Go with your gut

3 years ago I was traveling through Flagstaff, AZ when I stumbled upon this print by an artist. It was more than I was expecting to spend, but I really LOVED the design, colors and the way it spoke to me. Do I have remorse over that print today? You bet your bottom I don't! That is one of my FAVORITE pieces in the home, and it makes me so happy every time I pass by it. We have moved it from the bedroom, bathroom, to living room. Every place I've moved it to, not only does it look good, it truly makes me feel joy and reminds me of that Arizona trip.

I know it sounds cliche to go with your gut. But when something makes you stop in your tracks or it sits in your mind for days that is because it connected with you on a visceral gut level. Trusting your gut will make your home vibe feel amazing because you're choosing things that are meaningful to YOU.

I hope these tips helped bring some insight to how I select work. Art is meant to be a fun purchase, loosen those shoulders and remember to not take it so seriously. What is meant to be your piece, will be the work that speaks to you.

Wishing you luck on your art discovery! Kristine Cooper

My top 5 tips for picking out art

Top 10 places for inspiration in Bend, Oregon

When I think of what places have inspired me most I try to think back of where I felt most alive and in my body. Here is a short list of some of my favorites that I have discovered and enjoyed while being here. These spots infuse their magic into my artworks, so if you want to see some of the inspirations behind my art, head on adventure to these places:

My wedding day at Smith Rock State Park

1. Smith Rock State Park

I know I refer to this place a lot, but it's for good reason I tell you! I was married here in October 2023, and this place has always stood out to me as other worldly. The rock formations are unique, and there is something for every outdoor adventurer here. Big hikes, small ones, and plenty of climbing spots. My favorite time to go here is in the summer evenings when the crowds thin out, the frogs start to sing and the sunsets cast warm colors onto the rocks.

2. Bend Latin Dance

One day I went to the Flamingo Room Lounge in Bend and stumbled upon this group. My husband and I joined in the dancing and had a wonderful night out. They rotate to different location venues, and are so welcoming and fun. Even if you're not a great dancer, you are welcome here. This is a fun activity to partake in.

3. Love Bird Yoga

This yoga studio located in Redmond, Oregon is welcoming to anyone who walks in the doors. If you have never touched a yoga mat before, this is your spot. If you've done yoga for years, this is your spot. My artwork is adorning the walls of this soulful place, and it's where I regularly go for community and yoga. There is something special in the air here, and you can feel it when you show up.

4. Mt. Bachelor

This mountain offers a really neat way to learn the ropes of snowboarding or skiing. I did the ride in 5 (which is a special program that teaches you how to snowboard). The instructors were kind and energetic. I had a blast learning how to snowboard, and my journey on the mountain made my winters a whole lot more fun. I don't go as often as I wish I could, but this mountain is a really special way to enjoy the day.

5. The Workhouse

Although I don't have my personal artwork hanging in this space, I love visiting and enjoying the afternoon here. Some of my favorite small makers including Amulette Studios & Sansarc sell their goods out of this location. There is a plethora of fun finds and groovy gifts, and I usually find something I can't resist here.

6. Lava Butte Trail

A short drive south of Bend is this beautiful trail, one I find easy to do on my own on an afternoon spontaneously. I love the landscape at this location with the lava rocks and mountain views. There's even a neat fire lookout to explore at the top. Definitely one of my favorites.

7. Northwest Crossing Farmers Market

Not only have I been a vendor at this market for the past 2 years, I also genuinely LOVE this market. There are so many micro businesses to support that are crafting up creative food, gifts and ideas that it's blossoming with vitality here. I enjoy being a part of this market just as much as getting to attend it. It truly is local community.

Northwest Crossing Market

8. Volcanic Theatre Pub

My favorite music venue in town. I have always felt like this spot is a hidden gem in the community. The acts they bring in are great small independent artists and I really enjoy the vibe of the location. If I need a pick me up or inspiration, I usually look up whose playing music at the volcanic.

9. McMenamins Old St. Francis School

This special place with the wood plank walls, smell of firepits and the unbelievable soaking pool make it one of my favorite little hangouts in town. This location has so many fun things to do, from watching a move in their old theatre to enjoying a firepit with friends. I always leave here more relaxed and in good spirits after spending the day or evening here.

10. Suttle Lake Lodge

This lake is one of my go-to spots in the summer. The icy blue lake and the sweet lodge that offers snacks makes it an easy spot to lounge, read a book and paddle board the day away. Definitely worth planning a getaway or a day trip if you haven't been here before.

This is my short list- there are SO many more places I could tell you about! Which ones of these are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!

Hanging out with the art at Suttle Lake

Top 10 places for inspiration in Bend Oregon