Kristin J. Thompson is a literary and mixed media artist based in St. Louis, MO, with previous residences in Chicago, IL, and Denali, AK. Her career boasts four acclaimed books of poetry, namely "Into Blue," "Cords," "Glow Worm," and "Every Man is a Boy." Moreover, she holds a prestigious background as the Founder and Art Director of MyrtleHaus Publishing & Bookstore and the Lead Curator & Journalist of MyrtleHaus Magazine.
Kristin's literary works have turned the pages of numerous magazines, zines, and anthologies, including the notable "The Gasconade Review 8: Wolf at the Door/Nobody Home" by Spartan Press (OAC Books), "Revelations on Suchland Drive" by River Dog Press, and "The Granny's Tea" poetry magazine in the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, her photographic artistry has garnered widespread recognition, emphasizing the profound symbiotic connections within the natural world. Employing an exclusive film approach, Kristin uses diverse formats including 35mm, medium & large formats, and wet-plate collodion methods. Additionally, she crafts mixed-media photographic & art works, combining film, emulsion lifts, painting, and cyanotype techniques.
Amidst her current artistic endeavors is born a harmonious fusion of forms, blending her photographic, literary, and mixed-media creations. This symbiotic artistry finds expression in artisanal chainmaille jewelry inspired by historical influences and literature, adorned with ethically sourced pearl, bone, and metalsmithing/ soft soldering techniques.
Kristin holds degrees in Biological Archaeology & History, with a specific focus on organic material to unearth glimpses of the past. Her academic journey has taken her to locations such as Strasbourg, France, and Pylos, Greece, where she contributed to archaeological work at the Bronze Age Mycenaean site in the ancient Greek village of Iklaina: all influencing her artistry.
Outside of art & bookkeeping, Kristin enjoys curating Writers' Salons, illegal metal detecting, raising moths in her sunroom, and drinking tea with her cats on rainy days.
On a broader scale, MyrtleHaus, the brainchild of Kristin, stands as a remarkable queer, woman-owned endeavor. Born from the mission to address the lack of representation of women in St. Louis's literary community, MyrtleHaus has grown beyond Missouri's borders, resonating with audiences worldwide. As an independent publishing house, it warmly welcomes submissions of poetry books, anthologies, and novellas, supporting diverse voices and narratives. Complementing this initiative, MyrtleHaus Magazine publishes luxurious, full-length issues biannually.
The central mission of MyrtleHaus revolves around creating inclusive and safe publications, championing artists, writers, and small/independent businesses, with a special focus on empowering women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with disabilities.
MyrtleHaus Books is located at 2604 Cherokee Street in St. Louis, Missouri, 63118.
This page features a photograph of Kristin J. Thompson taken by:
Maddie K. Photography in St. Louis, MO