Meet Kristi! She's a local artist with immense talent. Her business name is Paper Alibi!
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I have been living in Kelowna for 5 years. Before that I was living in Vancouver.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My favorite person in the world is my husband Darren Parry. We are so comfortable with each other we can do everything from being silly to discussing philosophy.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
I have purchased some really nice clothes from The Wardrobe. The owner, Laura-ann is always so helpful in finding exactly what you need.
Describe yourself in one word.
Creative.
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
Probably somewhere in Europe, I find the galleries and old world architecture so inspiring.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Wine touring.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
When I first moved here I drove this mechanically questionable car and I broke down in the middle of the intersection at Gordon and Harvey. Luckily some mechanic stopped and helped me get the car started.
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
A few years ago my husband and I went on a 5 week tour of the South Pacific. Traveling has always been inspiring to me but to be able to see so many different and new things fueled my creations for some time afterwards.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
My mom used to cover the dinning table with newsprint paper and get out all the crayons and pencils and sit me down to draw. Those were some of my favorite days as a kid.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
When I purge my closet, I take my donations to the women's shelter thrift store.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
The growing division among countries, religious and political beliefs.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
I love that walk to Paul's Tomb. It's so beautiful I can hardly resist taking a photo. I must have 100 photos of that area.
Where would you like to see a positive change in Kelowna and why?
A larger focus on growth in the arts and culture scene out of our comfort zone.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The lake. The weather. The growing foodie/wine scene.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
1. See the turtles in the Galapagos Islands.
2. Visit New York at Christmas.
3. Go on an African safari.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I struggle with anxiety.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
Facebook: Kristi Clarke
Instagram: @paperalibi
What is the name of your business/organization?
Paper Alibi.
Why did you get into this business?
I have always loved art and being creative. After working in the graphic design industry for 10 years, I wanted to focus on my true passion, illustration.
What is the goal of your business?
I want to create illustrations that are fun but are also interesting and unique enough to make people take pause.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Sitting at home drawing may seem like a dream job, but it's harder than you may think to make yourself work a regular schedule. I fight the resistance almost everyday.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would have started my art career earlier in life. I would have traveled more in my 20s.
What do you always find yourself saying?
How you do anything is how you do everything.
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
It's a long game. Nothing worth having will come quickly.
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
It would probably be pretty hilarious to hang out with Tina Fey for a day.
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
As a business owner, I know the work that goes into running a business and I want to support that. It also gives the city so much character to have unique little locally owned shops.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
I had an opportunity in Vancouver to exhibit my artwork at a local gallery. I worked for two years to complete enough work to fill the gallery and when it was all done and up, it was one of the most satisfying feelings I've had.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Sue at K Town Cats And Dogs. I've never met someone who cares so much about their clients and gives them so much individual attention.
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Darren Parry- owner of AVS Security.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
