| arts |
Kristine Jones
A Multi-Faceted
Jewel words & photography by Margo Hamilton
Sometimes we meet somebody who cuts such an imposing figure we wonder how they manage it ; Someone we recognize at once as special . Kristine Jones is just one of those people .
Striking , slender , tall , and utterly self-confident . She is also an accomplished abstract artist , pastor , and passionate social activist .
Artist
Having met her several times , I wanted to get to know her better and speak with her about her art . As I entered her studio on the second floor of the historic Cigar Factory building , I felt a tiny pang of artistic envy ; the space is roomy , serene , and inviting . The mid-morning sunlight streaming through the windows created vibrant , natural lighting . An oasis of artistic inspiration .
She has the good fortune to be one of 11 artists currently occupying the historic space . As I moved around the room , chatting and taking pictures of her , she sat poised and comfortable next to her easel , completely at
“ Piano Keys ”
ease in front of the camera . Her former life modeling is evident . These days , however , she spends her time painting , pastoring with her husband , and working on behalf of young women at her nonprofit , Priceless Jewels . ( More on that later ).
She showed me some of her work . Large , abstract pieces that will not be ignored . Her paintings can be different as night and day . A soft pastel-hued mixed-media piece evokes calmness and serenity , while another piece is gritty and angry , reflecting her passion for social and racial justice . Music inspires her . Listening to anything from old-school rap and hip-hop to Deuter spa music , Kristine Jones gazes at the blank canvas and often asks it “ What do you want to be ?”
38 Spring 2023 | Thomasville Scene