About

Hey! I’m Gretchen Klens.

I create art that portrays the interconnectedness of all beings and elements on Earth. Along with being an artist, I’m an outdoor guide, creative content maker, backcountry skier, cold water swimmer, and dog mom.

I live, create, and play on the lands of the Tunxis in Collinsville, Connecticut, a lil river town among hills of mountain laurels, sugar maples, and black bears. I’m an artist, guide, backcountry skier, mountain biker, trail runner, cold water lover, dog mom, partner, scientist, and silly goose.

I deeply love this beautiful, magical planet we live on, and my art is infused with that love. I hope it is shared far and wide.

We are nature!

My mission is to create in ways that inspire people to feel the beauty of our cosmic ecosystem over and over and over again, ‘til we’re all decyaing in the soil together, giving life to the next. Isn’t that what this is all about… creating a more beautiful world for our children and their children and so forth?

Education

Bowdoin College, Earth and Oceanographic Science

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid, CPR, ACA Level II Kayak Guide, Outdoor First Care, NSP Mountain Host, AIARE Rec 1

Professional Experience

  • Creative Content and Communications— Adventure East, 2024- present

  • Paddling, Biking, Hiking, Backcountry Skiing, and Caving Guide — Adventure East, 2024- present

  • Guide and Instructor— Outside Perspectives, 2024- present

  • Photographer— Ski Sundown, 2024

  • Cave Guide, USFS Thorne Bay, AK, 2022

  • Printmaking, Artist’s Bookmaking, Graphic Design, and Photography

Email me at gretchen@spiritualknucklehead.com and

follow me on instagram @ spiritual.knucklehead to connect!

with sooooo much gratitude,

Gretchen