Kristjana Gunnars studied studio art at Oregon State University with artist and teacher Shep Levine, and later art theory at the University of Regina with teacher Eugene Dawson, before turning to literary studies. She has been a practicing literary writer since 1980, and studied aesthetic and literary theory with writer and teacher Robert Kroetsch at the University of Manitoba. She taught writing and English in various universities before joining the University of Alberta as Professor of English and Creative Writing. She served as Guest Professor at the University of Iceland from 2020 to 2025.. Her work with writing in the context of literary theory expanded into art theory and aesthetics, which became a full time art practice upon leaving the university. More lately she has been learning cutting edge acrylic techniques from various artists. She is a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists (supportive); the Surrey Arts Council; the Semiahmoo Arts Society and the South Delta Artists' Guild. Affiliations include the Gallery at the Surrey Arts Centre; the Turnbull Gallery in White Rock B.C., and the 1710 Gallery in Twawwassen, B.C.
"winter # 2", acrylic and mediums on exhibition canvas, 18" x 72", (sold)
in the studio