Pounamu (Sculpture)

About the aritist

Kristin Hyde

Kristin Hyde has an insatiable need for two fundamental elements in her life – a love for creativity and a passion for the use of colour. Kristin says “Colour energises me, it feeds my soul.” These elements provide her with a source of contentment. 

Kristin Hyde is an intuitive and mixed media artist with a profound love for creativity and color, which she considers vital to her contentment. Self-taught, she has spent over 12 years perfecting her craft, particularly in acrylics and resin. Alongside her primary focus, Kristin explores textiles, specifically felting, and has a strong interest in silversmithing, particularly in creating Art Jewellery. Her passion for nature has led her to experiment with eco-dyeing and printing, using natural elements to create beautiful patterns on silk, linen, and merino wool.

Kristin grew up in Wellington but has lived in Auckland for the past 40 years, where she has created a serene, inspiring environment on the outskirts of the city. Surrounded by trees, a stream, and wildlife, her rural home in Bombay Hills serves as a haven for her artistic endeavors. In early 2020, after a transformative trip to The Bahamas, Kristin made the bold decision to leave her 40-year career as an International Flight attendant to pursue art full-time. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, she has found fulfillment in expressing emotions and evoking memories through her abstract and diverse work.

Kristin's art is driven by heartfelt intentions and a therapeutic purpose, aiming to bring joy and provide an escape for her audience. Her dedication to her craft has been recognized, most recently with the Liquitex NZ Sponsorship award at the Wellington Art Show 2024. She feels grateful and humbled to have her jewellery, textiles, and artwork appreciated and cherished by people worldwide, a testament to the universal appeal of her creative expressions.