We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kristine Kainer. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kristine, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, what brings me joy is rediscovering the rhythm of coastal life after moving back to the East Coast. I recently relocated from Austin, Texas to Wilmington, North Carolina, and it’s been such a refreshing change. Exploring the charming beach towns, breathing in the salty sea air, indulging in fresh seafood, and soaking up the laid-back lifestyle have been true sources of happiness. There’s something grounding and peaceful about being near the ocean again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kristine Kainer—a coastal artist with a deep love for the salty charm of the sea. I am from a military family (Marine Corps) and lived along the Eastern Seaboard during my formative and (most of) my adult years.
I am a self-taught oil painter specializing in seascapes and food art. I am also obsessed with painting (and eating) oysters. Their significance to coastal heritage and the environment inspire much of my work. (As an aside, I am an oyster ambassador in the Oyster Master Guild which celebrates the beauty, bounty, culture, and value of these incredible mollusks through outreach and education.) I hope that my art blends visual storytelling with a reverence for place and palate. T
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
As an avid reader and self-proclaimed foodie, I encountered the book, “Shucked: Life on a New England Oyster Farm,” by Erin Byers Murray. Reading it deepened my appreciation for oysters—not just as a subject of my art, but as living symbols of resilience, community, and connection to place. The book offered an immersive look into the labor and passion behind oyster farming, and shifted my perspective from seeing oysters as an elegant food source to understanding them as ecological powerhouses and cultural touchstones. I now approach each painting not just with aesthetic intent, but with reverence for the stories embedded in each shell—the farmers who cultivate them, the waters that shape them, and the environmental value and traditions they provide.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Less than two years ago, I was living the dream I had worked tirelessly to build. I had found my rhythm as an artist—painting with joy, accepting commissions, participating in shows, and sharing my work with the world. It felt like everything had finally come together. Then, tragedy struck. My wonderful husband passed away suddenly. Six months later, I lost my amazing father. The grief was overwhelming, and my world was shattered.
In that darkness, I questioned everything—including whether I could continue painting. The joy was gone. Slowly, I found my way back to the canvas. Painting became a way to process, to honor, to heal. It took time, but I am now, once again, moving forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I believe in civil discourse which, sadly, is no longer “the norm” in many sectors. Therefore, I keep my public persona separate from my personal one.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
As an artist, I often find myself working in solitude—my studio is in my home, and there are days when I don’t interact with anyone. While that quiet space is essential for my creativity, it can also become a cocoon, making it easy to lose touch with the world beyond my canvas. One of my greatest regrets is that I have only traveled internationally twice. My last two passports have been unused. Experiencing other cultures, landscapes, viewpoints, and ways of life would not only enrich me personally, but also expand my perspective as an artist. I believe that art is a reflection of the world we absorb—it is up to me to leave my comfort zone and explore this amazing planet. Let’s see if I accept that challenge soon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kristinekainer.com
- Instagram: @kristinekainer
- Facebook: /kristinekainerart
