Kristin Lindseth & George Rivera
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Kristin Lindseth
Kristin Lindseth’s recent work utilizes uprooted boats as a metaphor for entering into the unknown in life. Sparked by the worldwide refugee crisis, this series of sculptures reflects the experience of being shaken, uprooted from the familiar and cast into the unknown; suspended without a place to rest, hovering. Lindseth’s works emerge from her deeply personal experiences as well as the experiences of those with whom she is closest. Her work also reflects the universal theme of being human: life experiences from men and women of diverse cultures, ages and backgrounds, with particular respect to inner experience and relationships. Other symbols and metaphors in Lindseth’s work include labyrinths and mazes, which have been used throughout art history to represent the individual’s journey in life. Common motifs also include cultural and mythological symbols from her Nordic background as well as those from Aztec and Japanese culture which Lindseth has experienced through her husband, fellow artist George Rivera.
Lindseth is an internationally exhibited sculptor, printmaker and educator, living and working in the South Bay Area. Her work has been represented in over 100 local, regional, national and international exhibitions at museums and galleries including: the Peninsula Museum of Art; Marin Museum of Contemporary Art; the Triton Museum of Art; the Palm Springs Museum of Art; the Richmond Art Center; as well as the Yianna Grammatopoulou Gallery in Athens, Greece and Fayed University in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Her sculptures and intaglio prints are also held in private collections in Sweden, Germany, Spain, France, England and Greece. Lindseth and Rivera were featured in NUMU’s inaugural In the Artist’s Studio exhibition series in 2018.
Lindseth is a member of the International Sculpture Society, Pacific Rim Sculptors, and Nordic FIve Arts. She is an instructor of Art at Mission College in Santa Clara, where she teaches Digital Art and Drawing. When asked what being creative meant to her, Lindseth responds: “Everything. It’s my voice, without which I would not feel complete.”
George Rivera
Since the late 1970s, George Rivera has focused on the human figure as the key subject of his work. With content that is largely autobiographical and which utilizes metaphor, his works convey a sense of capturing oneself in solitary moments of reflection, emotion and expectation. Subjects include friends, relatives and self portraits. Rivera finds the connection and comfort of familiar models to be essential to his work since most of the themes are reflective of his own experiences, feelings and observations. He states: “...in the private, isolated moments, when we have to face our demons, whatever they may be, real or self imposed, these are the conflicts and moments of indecision, pain, and confrontations in life which I share through my work.”
Rivera’s broad experience includes serving as Executive Director and Senior Curator at the Triton Museum of Art from 1985 - 2013. Prior to the Triton, from 1982 - 1985, Rivera was the Executive Director and Curator of the San Jose Art League. Since 1977, he has organized and curated upwards of 400 local, state, national and international exhibitions, collaborating with museums, galleries and private collections. Rivera’s dedication to the arts and his community, extends even further in his experience serving as a juror for exhibitions, competitions, fellowships and programs, as well as serving on numerous art community boards and advisory committees for non-profit organizations and educational programs. He is also a beloved and respected educator having taught studio art and art appreciation courses at San Jose State University, San Jose Art League, Pacific Art League, DeAnza College and the Triton Museum of Art School. He is currently an Associate Faculty Instructor of Art at Mission College in Santa Clara, an Extension Instructor for UC Berkeley and an Adjunct Art Instructor at Ohlone College in Fremont.
ABOVE: Images of Lindseth and Rivera’s Director’s Circle artwork. BELOW: Photos from Lindseth and Rivera’s home studios and professional life.
All images and artwork © New Museum Los Gatos. Do not use without permission.
