Kristen Vardanega

Kristen Vardanega is an artist and illustrator living in Salt Lake City, Utah. Born and raised in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and a MSU Bozeman alum, Kristen's work is informed by her experiences with the characters and landscapes of the Intermountain West.

Inspired by illustrated books and naturalist field guides, she has kept a sketchbook of observational drawings since childhood. Her medium of choice is water-based paint on paper or panel, and this practice often expands into papermaking and book arts. Her work is grounded in reality, with a touch of mysticism inspired by tarot cards, vintage scientific illustration, textiles, and ornate cowboy boots.