ABOUT

Mission:
Adding creativity & play to your day with creative living & learning resources for all ages!

Vision:
A world where all individuals are empowered to live their joy, authentically.

What’s All this Nonsense About?
Here at Art of Nonsense, Kristy Fae and her imaginary team of monsters believe that the best way to live and learn is through creativity and play— or what we refer to as “Nonsense”! We know that developing children learn about themselves and the world through imaginative play and exploration, but this doesn’t get any less important with age. To truly know and express ourselves; to live our joy; to find our unique place in the world: we must continue to play, create and discover…

With this in mind, we offer fun and accessible creative living and learning resources for children and anyone young at heart. We imagine a happier, healthier world while focusing on themes like self-love, personal expression, celebrating diversity, building self-esteem, connecting with nature, and identifying personal values.

Visit our online shop for art prints, print products, and hand puppets. Also stay tuned for upcoming children’s books, colouring and activity booklets, a self-care oracle deck, and more. Whether you’re shopping for a kid, a teen, or an adult, you’ll be sure to delight their inner creative creature!

Our products are all handmade by Kristy Fae from her private Monster Studio in Victoria B.C. Canada. Feel free to Contact Kristy if you have any questions or are interested in commissions.

To stay up to date on the latest products and happenings, and to receive inspiration on how to add more creativity and play to your day, along with lighthearted self-care tips from the monsters themselves, be sure to subscribe to the Monster Musings Blog. You can also follow Art of Nonsense on Facebook and Instagram or bookmark all of our links at LinkTree!

Play. Create. Discover…

Biography
Kristy Fae, B.F.A. (born Kristina Durst) is an illustrator, writer and educator. She specializes in children’s books, whimsical illustration, nonsense poetry and inspirational writing.

With a background in film and animation, children’s creative programming, and adult wellness classes, Art of Nonsense is a culmination of Kristy’s skills, passions and personal learning, as shown below:

Children’s Picture Books
~ “Half-and-Half Pizza Math”, Tumbleweed Press Inc, illustrator, 2019
~ “What’s in a Seed?”, Nanaimo Community Gardens Society, writer/illustrator, 2009
~ “My Very Hairy Monster Friends”, writer/illustrator, release TBA
~ “Chakra Chums”, co-writer/illustrator, release TBA
~ “The Stikalo Monster”, writer/illustrator, release TBA

Relevant Work Experience
~ Early Childhood Care Assistant, Lambrick Park Preschool, 2017-2018
~ After-School Care Leader, Excel Program, Halifax Regional School Board, 2016-2017
~ Yoga Instructor & Studio Coordinator, Moksana Yoga, 2013-2016
~ Children’s Camp Leader & Coordinator, Byte Camp, 2010-2012
~ Assistant & Educator, Nanaimo Community Gardens Society, 2009
~ Videographer, The Canadian Institute of Forestry, 2007-2008

Education & Training
~ Painting with Watercolour, Vancouver Island School of Art, 2019
~ Human Development Course, 60Hrs College of the Rockies, 2018
~ Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, Halifax Regional School Board, 2016
~ Fundamental Movement Skills Training, Halifax Regional School Board, 2016
~ High-Five Training, Halifax Regional School Board, 2016
~ Autism Training, Halifax Regional School Board, 2016
~ Entrepreneur’s Business Program, EntreActive, 2015
~ Painting with Gouache, Vancouver Island School of Art, 2014
~ Yoga Teacher Training, 250Hrs Moksana Yoga Centre, 2013
~ Illustration for Picture Books, Emily Carr University, 2012
~ Horticultural Technician Certificate, Vancouver Island University, 2009
~ Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production, Ryerson University, 2007

Community Partnerships
~ Developed & led children’s storytelling & art workshops for enhancing literacy skills with The Dartmouth Learning Network, The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Halifax & the Take Action Committee Society, 2016
~ Presented puppet shows, story-time & games that taught literacy to children in the Sharing the Art of Reading program, 2016
~ Developed & led “Express Yourself” Club for Grade 5/6, exploring individuality, tolerance & self-acceptance through art projects, Shannon Park Elementary School, 2016

Film Awards & Festival Screenings
~ The Animated, Stop Motion. Animator, puppets & set construction, 2021
…Victoria Film Festival 2021

~ The Nastiworths, Stop Motion. Creator, animator, cinematographer, puppets, 2007
…The Natalie McDonald Award “for a filmmaker who shows courage & remarkable innovation in her work & who makes astonishing images & stories that sparkle” 2007
…Best Technical film at the Vancouver Island Short Film Festival 2010
…Best of the Past 5 Years Retrospective Vancouver Island Short Film Festival 2011

~ Growth Rings: 100 Proud Years of Canadian Forestry, Feature Documentary. Director, cinematographer, editor, 2008
…International Forest Film Festival 2011
…Life Sciences Film Festival 2011

~ Miracle Hands, Documentary. Director, cinematographer, editor, 2007
…My Hero Film Festival 2007

~ Zombie Jesus, Fiction. Cinematographer, 2007
…YoungCuts Film Fest 2007
…Toronto After Dark Film Festival 2007
…DC Shorts Film Festival 2008
…A World of Shorts Film Festival 2009

~ Paradise Hotel, Stop Motion. Creator, animator, cinematographer, puppets & set, 2004
…National Exposure Film Festival 2006

~ Meeting Life, Fiction. Writer, director, 2004
…National Exposure Film Festival 2005
…Digifestival 2007

~ Additional Awards
…The Universal Studios Canada Scholarship in Filmmaking for highest academic standing & creative excellence 2004
…Cinematographer’s Society Award 2007

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