There are moments as an artist when something bigger than the brush seems to be guiding your path. My recent experience at the Graffiti/Muralist and Fine Art Show was one of those moments—an experience steeped in artistic synchronicity that I’m still reflecting on.
The show itself was vibrant and full of energy, filled with conversations, inspiration, and connection. One of the most poignant moments came when a woman named Katherine purchased my heart painting, Remembrance. What made this moment truly striking is that just last month, another woman—also named Katherine—purchased one of my paintings and was moved to tears in the process.
Remembrance
Two emotional connections. Two women named Katherine. Two heartfelt transactions. It felt less like coincidence and more like artistic synchronicity—as if I were being gently nudged by unseen hands, guided by something greater than chance. Some would call it divine timing, others might say it’s the work of spirit guides or the universe aligning—but to me, it’s part of the quiet magic of being an artist.
My booth at the show featured a collection of works ranging from ethereal landscapes and surreal visions to introspective portraits. These paintings aren’t just images—they’re stories, emotional touchstones, and dreamscapes. Viewers are invited to step inside and experience their own interpretations, which often leads to some incredibly moving exchanges.
Kevin Trivedi and his Art Photo Credit: Lauren Meichtry
You may notice that in the photo from the event, I’m wearing a black mask. As someone who is immunocompromised, I take precautions—but interestingly, the mask has become something of a signature. It adds a sense of mystery and presence that echoes the tone of much of my work. A visitor once told me it made me look like an artist from another realm, which I take as a high compliment.
I’m grateful to everyone who stopped by, shared thoughts, or took the time to truly see the work. Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you call it coincidence or artistic synchronicity, I’m trusting the rhythm—and I look forward to where it leads next.
Stay tuned for more reflections, new work, and upcoming shows.
On Sunday, April 6th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., artist Kevin Trivedi will be creating live at the Chico Women’s Club, located at 592 East 3rd Street, Chico, CA 95928. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness the artistic process firsthand and purchase the completed mural to take home. This event is part of a series organized by @sophisartgarage and @artistscape_fine_art.
From March 7th to 9th, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Marin Fine Arts and Craft Show, and what an unforgettable experience it was! Surrounded by creativity and passion, I met so many amazing people who share a love for art. The camaraderie among the artist vendors was truly heartwarming; we supported each other through the highs and lows of the event, forming bonds that felt like friendships forged in a matter of days.
Convention Center in Marin.
As the show came to a close, I found myself saying goodbye to what felt like dear friends. The connections made during those three days were profound, and I left with a sense of belonging in a community that thrives on creativity and mutual support.
My Exhibitor Pass!
I was thrilled to see my work received so positively, especially my new piece “Remembrance.” This painting serves as a tribute to memories that shape our lives, with its layered textures and soft hues inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys. It sparked many meaningful conversations, as it resonated deeply with those who encountered it.
Remembrance
Additionally, my painting “Enlightenment”drew admiration with its vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes, symbolizing the journey toward inner clarity and understanding. It was wonderful to witness how this piece inspired patrons to share their own stories and experiences of personal growth.
Enlightenment by Kevin Trivedi
Another favorite among viewers was “Looking Inward.” This piece captures the essence of introspection, with its rich, deep colors and intricate patterns that draw the eye inward. Many viewers found themselves lost in the layers, reflecting on their own inner landscapes and personal journeys. The emotional depth of this painting seemed to resonate with many, sparking conversations about self-discovery and the importance of looking within.
Looking Inward
I was equally excited to showcase “Apsara,” which captivated many new viewers with its ethereal beauty and fluid forms. This painting embodies grace and movement, inspired by the enchanting concept of celestial dancers. The delicate interplay of colors and textures creates a sense of harmony, inviting the viewer to lose themselves in the serene yet dynamic composition. It was heartening to see how this piece evoked feelings of tranquility and inspiration in those who engaged with it.
My booth at the Marin Fine Arts & Crafts Festival!
I was also pleased to present “Forecast,” a piece that captures the essence of change and anticipation. The swirling patterns and bold contrasts evoke a sense of movement, inviting viewers to ponder the possibilities that lie ahead. The interest in this work reminded me of the power of art to evoke emotions and provoke thought.
Forecast
One of the most emotional moments of the show occurred when a young woman purchased a mini painting titled “Canyon.” She began to cry, sharing that she didn’t know why but that it had been a particularly challenging week for her. In that moment, I felt tears welling up in my own eyes, as we shared an unspoken connection. It reminded me of the power of art to evoke emotions and provide solace in difficult times.
I am always excited to introduce my work to new audiences and to see how it resonates with individuals on personal levels. Thank you to everyone who visited my booth, engaged in conversations, and shared their stories. Your support means the world to me!
My booth before it was setup!
Until next time, let’s continue to celebrate creativity and the connections that art can foster.
A closer look at my booth at the Marin Fine Arts & Crafts Festival! Featuring original landscapes, fine art prints, and artistic gifts. Thanks to everyone who stopped by!
Artist KYRIANNA: The Beauty and Pain of the Human Experience
Internationally recognized artist KYRIANNA is a master of watercolors and mixed-media artworks. Her art explores the beauty and pain of the human experience through a surrealistic lens. The juxtaposition of beauty and shrill imagery representing pain is beautiful and disturbing. KYRIANNA herself suffers from chronic pain, and that is the driving force behind her endurance and determination in her current work. The striking imagery in her work demands attention as it is not only a window but a mirror into the secret pain many of us carry. KYRIANNA’s work is a source of resilience, inspiration, and hope.
A Journey Of Survival and Perseverance
KYRIANNA grew up on a small farm in the Siskiyou mountains that herds sheep; KYRIANNA’s artistic journey began early. After discovering her talent for watercolor, she trained under Elaine Frenett, a local watercolorist. While at the Waldorf middle school, art had become a passion, but it wasn’t until age twelve—when KYRIANNA developed a debilitating chronic pain condition—that art became her sanctuary.
KYRIANNA’s watercolor captures the fading relief of pain medication, a powerful symbol of chronic pain management.
A quote from the artist’s website vividly describes her process, “Suddenly, I could see the pain and even draw myself pulling it out of my body if I wanted to.” This quote from KYRIANNA reflects, how self-portraiture allowed her to process grief and anger around her condition. The visual metaphors in her work—roots penetrating soil, fungus growing on wood—express the entanglement of her condition within her body.
Art as Agency and Emotional Release
While KYRIANNA’s self-portraits are deeply personal, her commissioned portraits of others with chronic pain involve a collaborative process. “I rarely sit and workshop ideas for my self-portraits; they usually just come to me fully formed. But for commissions, I conduct in-depth interviews and guided visualizations to help subjects arrive at a metaphor for their symptoms.”
KYRIANNA’s watercolor painting captures the relentless buzz of chronic back pain, using cicadas as a metaphor for the unceasing hum of discomfort. Inspired by Deane’s journey with self-hypnosis, this piece symbolizes resilience and the pursuit of relief.
“Working with people who have chronic pain is always emotional. I feel kinship with them and anger about how society treats them.”
Psoriasis is a condition where skin cells build up on areas of the body causing dry, scaly patches. It’s thought to be an immune system problem and may go through cycles where it flares or subsides, however it is a lifelong condition. Certain treatments may offer some relief but it is incurable. The patches may be in areas that see a lot of friction, such as the knees, elbows, knuckles, etc.
Creating art for others is an emotional journey. “Working with people who have chronic pain is always emotional. I feel kinship with them and anger about how society treats them. Hearing their reactions to their portraits touches me deeply—it never gets old.”
Exploring Larger Themes Through Art
Misogyny, ableism, and classism are inextricable from her work. “These concepts are vital to my artistic expression,” she states. Drawing from her background—both her parents are psychotherapists—she explores the mind-body connection and the emotional toll of chronic conditions.
Overcoming Challenges
KYRIANNA’s unimaginable chronic pain is debilitating and, at times, leaves her unable to stand upright by herself or walk. Much of her youth became filled with multitudes of doctor appointments and unrelenting physical therapy, tests of every kind run, but there seemed to be no easy answers for what was afflicting her. KYRIANNA had always loved art, but now it quickly became her sanctuary from this unexplainable and tortured condition.
KYRIANNA’s artistic journey has been challenging. One particularly memorable moment involved a foster kitten tracking black paint across a portrait. “Watercolor is not forgiving, but I managed to recover. It turned out okay!” KYRIANNA’s drive toward her vision mirrors her fortitude in life with a chronic condition. She always finds a way. Such moments have shaped KYRIANNA’s approach, reinforcing the importance of adaptability and tenacity.
MALAISE
KYRIANNA’s multi-media piece reveals the dual realities of chronic illness, inviting viewers to see both strength and struggle in the same reflection.
KYRIANNA’s recent exhibition, MALAISE features surreal, larger-than-life pieces that explore her worsening condition. “I want to give a voice to people with chronic pain, make them feel seen, and educate able-bodied viewers.”
MALAISE was on display at the 1078 Gallery in Chico, CA, from November 1–24, 2024—the subject of the show centers around disability. Using herself and others as models, KYRIANNA explores the deep psychology of being in chronic pain as an artist and as the subject matter. In addition, she creates sensitive portraits displaying the vulnerability of others afflicted with pain or disability.
In her piece, “Pin the Pill on the Disability,“ is an interactive artwork by KYRIANNA that invites viewers to confront the biases surrounding invisible disabilities. Using a twist on a familiar childhood game, the piece engages participants in an active experience that mirrors the subtle, often subconscious judgments we make daily about others. By asking participants to explicitly decide whether someone appears disabled based on surface-level cues, the artwork brings these unconscious assumptions into focus, sparking dialogue and awareness about the realities of invisible disabilities.
In KYRIANNA’s, mixed-media piece, “Cabinet,” has portraits drawn on the outside of a cabinet. The viewers can see a collection of medications inside the ajar cabinet drawer. In this piece, she relates to a banal activity many of us depend on to live.
ANIMUS
As co-founder of the ANIMUS collective, KYRIANNA collaborates on projects that delve into feminism, intersectionality, disability, and psychology. Located in San Francisco, California, Art Collective that seeks to create multi-layered art experiences for creative exhibits or components to increase visibility and engagement during live events.
KYRIANNA runs ANIMUS with Haley Baldwin. Although ANIMUS is currently on Hiatus its mission is to connect with more people in their community through art. They focus on art and events that illustrate, elevate, and inspire through art and dedication. An important message inspired by KYRIANNA permeates their purpose in educating challenges, no matter how great, can be overcome with patience, will, commitment, and passion.
Advice for Emerging Artists
KYRIANNA’s watercolor captures her model’s journey with Fibromyalgia and Crohn’s Disease, using Painted Lady butterflies to symbolize pain and resilience.
For young artists living with chronic conditions, KYRIANNA offers this advice: “Look at as much art as you can and let it inspire you. Create from an authentic place—it’s cathartic and powerful.”
“I want to give a voice to people with chronic pain, make them feel seen, and educate able-bodied viewers.”
Anyone who has experienced chronic pain knows how debilitating it is. In KYRIANNA’s case, despite her struggles, she shows great dedication to the concepts and techniques in her meticulous work. She makes a choice every day to focus on her art rather than surrender to her struggles with pain. It has taught her to appreciate even the difficult things in life that help to inspire her purpose in art. (Bio | KYRIANNA https://www.kyrianna.net)
Inspired by Spoon Theory – Invisible Disabilities Awareness – 8.5’x11’ or 11’x17’ – Hidden Toll of Disabilities
As KYRIANNA continues her journey, her art is a lifeline for those grappling with chronic pain and illness, offering beauty and connection in the face of struggle.
