Kristin DeSantis is a contemporary metal and mixed media artist. Her primary medium is metal and she personally performs all the creative aspects of her work. Kristin uses the human or animal form to evoke spirit and emotion. Many of her works capture figures in graceful movements that exude elegance, beauty and strength in impeccable harmony.

The images in her work originate from memory and imagination and are developed through a series of sketches. The sketch is then transformed into simple lines and transferred to the metal. With a standard sheet of 3/16" aluminum, she begins creating her “metal canvas.” This involves a process of cutting out areas of the metal with a hand-held plasma torch,

carving into the metal with grinders and sanding to achieve a tactile surface. Once the metal surface is prepared, she begins the painting process with thinned down oil paints applied with rags. Letting each layer dry, she will go back in with a series of sanding, rubbing away and building up more layers until she’s satisfied. The piece is then sealed with an automotive clear-coat. The corners are drilled out and bolts are used as decorative stand-offs from the wall allowing for light to pass through the cut-out areas to create more depth. This is Kristin’s own unique process.