Gloucester artist Carol Kriekis finds satisfaction in expressing herself.
Doing so includes, in part, creating colorful images that adorn many of her hand-sized stickers.
Some of her creations include a sticker with the seascape theme “Glosta” and another one that commemorates the art colony Rocky Neck. This one features palette with paint splotches of red, yellow and blue.
In addition, stickers include images of “Saint Peter’s Fiesta,” “Magnolia,” “In Your Facebook,” “Lanesville” and “Long Beach.”
Kriekis has created myriad images in her artwork, developing works as a graphic illustrator for the United States Air Force at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. and also creating images for the Gloucester School Department.
“In school, I did all the displays,” said Kriekis, who added many of her works are created using pencils and ink.
Kriekis said art fulfills a passion.
“It’s a way of expressing oneself,” she said. “If you have a passion, you can express it through art. It’s fun. It’s enjoyable.”
Kriekis also previously served as a docent and on the Board of Governors at the University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
Back on the East Coast, some of her sticker creations can be purchased in Gloucester’s Beauport Hotel Boutique.
“I can do anything for anybody,” said Kriekis. “Right now, stickers are what I’m doing. I grew up doing art. It’s just natural.”
In fact, her artistic experience is a part of the family tradition.
Kriekis’ father, Robert August Jansson was a naturalist, writer, illustrator and cartoonist. Her grandfather, Arthur August Jansson, was a well-known artist and illustrator. Her grandmother, Dora Tarbell McKissock, was also an artist and art teacher.
Kriekis recently sat down in the newsroom of the Gloucester Daily times, fanning out a display some of her creations.
Her sister, Barbara Jansson, said art has always been a part of Carol Kriekis’ for as long as she remembered.
“She’s been an artist for her entire life,” said Jansson.
Both Kriekis and Jansson became acquainted with Rocky Neck when their family summered at a home on Wiley Street.
Regarding her approach to creating images, Kriekis said she often has a plan before she sits down to sketch or paint.
“I have it all designed in my head,” she said. “It comes along when I see something. It’s rewarding when you know people are going to enjoy it.”
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.
