Kris Goto

Kris Goto, a pen and ink artist and muralist, shared her creative process and the importance of rituals in navigating her artistic journey. Drawing inspiration from local culture, the people she meets, the stories she hears, and the rich blend of cultures around her, Kris’s art reflects a unique mix of her own whimsical world and familiarity–she describes her art as creating a world that only makes sense within the piece itself, inviting viewers into a self-contained reality. Over the years, she has developed three key rituals to help her stay inspired, navigate transitions, and capture motivation. When faced with a creative block or feeling uninspired, Kris turns to a ritual she discovered while struggling with overwhelming deadlines. A friend suggested she complete one piece of art a day, set it aside, and repeat the process for a month. She describes this exercise as “flushing out ideas” and relieving her “creative constipation.” It allowed her to let go of the pressure to create something perfect, clearing space for new ideas. She describes inspiration as being flirtatious: the harder you chase it, the more it eludes you. To counter this, she deliberately steps away from her projects, focusing on unrelated activities, allowing inspiration to return to her naturally. Before starting a new project, Kris performs a simple yet meaningful ritual: she cuts her nails. For her, this act symbolizes severing ties with her previous work, which she imagines clinging to her fingertips and preventing her from fully embracing a new project. This small but intentional act helps her approach each new endeavor with a fresh perspective, free from lingering influences of the past. To capture fleeting moments of inspiration, Kris always carries a notebook and pen. She knows inspiration arrives unannounced and can disappear just as quickly if not recorded. She never discards her ideas, no matter how small or undeveloped they seem, revisiting them even years later. For her, these ideas are like seeds that may one day grow into something meaningful. She likens her relationship with inspiration to a romantic one, understanding that it requires patience, attention, and trust in its unpredictable nature. Through these rituals, Kris Goto has cultivated a creative practice that balances discipline, playfulness, and deep respect for the process of inspiration. Her approach reflects not only her artistry but also her thoughtful relationship with the creative journey itself.