Throughout human history, nature has been a profound source of artistic inspiration. In this series, we talk with artists whose work is inspired by, created in, or connected to the brilliant nature in the Nature Trust’s care. Here we talk with Kristen De Palma, a Halifax-based lettering & mural artist whose work is deeply rooted in Nova Scotia’s defining natural features.

Your murals are so recognizable all over Nova Scotia – how did you develop your unique style?

Photo credit: Jill Roberts Photography

It definitely didn’t happen overnight — it took years of experimenting and filling lots of sketchbooks! After not drawing since high school, I rediscovered art in 2015 through hand lettering after taking a calligraphy class at NSCAD. That practice pulled me back into drawing, and I spent countless hours sketching, exploring different techniques, and figuring out what felt natural to me. Over time, my style slowly started to emerge.

I’ve always been drawn to Victorian-era and vintage design — the ornamentation, the lettering, the sense of craft back when everything used to be hand-drawn with careful attention to the detail — and that influence shows up in my work in a big way. But my style is still evolving. I’m always experimenting, refining, and pushing myself to try new things. I think of it as a continuous process of learning and curiosity, and that’s part of what keeps creating exciting for me.

You’ve worked with so many clients that are closely tied to Nova Scotia as a destination – the airport, Quinpool Road, and many others. Is there a connection between your style and your art and Nova Scotia specifically?

Definitely! I feel so grateful to be an artist in Nova Scotia because the creative community here is so supportive,

Kristen’s “Beautiful Moments” mural

and the scale of the market has allowed me opportunities I may not have had in a larger, more saturated place like New York. Being on the East Coast shapes so much of the work I’m asked to create — naturally, many clients want visuals that reflect the landscapes, culture and sense of place that make Nova Scotia unique. Because of that, a lot of my inspiration comes directly from my surroundings: the ocean, and especially our native flora. Those natural elements have become woven into my style over time, both because they’re part of the project commissions I receive and because they’re genuinely meaningful to me. So yes, my connection to Nova Scotia absolutely influences my art — it’s shaped what I create, how I see the world, and the visual language I’ve grown into as an illustrator and designer.

A lot of your work incorporates very recognizable natural features and distinct natural elements that signify the place where they sit, especially your murals and signage. (One of your Dartmouth signs is right across the street from our office, on Sullivan’s Pond!) How do you translate those features into your art, and into a piece that needs to convey specific information?

Kristen’s “Discover Wonderful Wolfville” mural

When I’m creating murals or signage that are tied to a specific place, I start by paying close attention to the natural features that make that location feel unmistakably itself. Every place has its own visual language — certain plants, shorelines, animals, or landmarks that anchor it. I aim to try and capture the essence of what makes that place recognizable and meaningful to the people who live there — that might mean simplifying shapes, incorporating certain colours, or highlighting textures that people subconsciously associate with the area.

When the piece is meant to convey information — like a sign — I’m always trying to balance clarity with storytelling. The natural elements act as an entry point, inviting people in and helping them connect emotionally to the space. Then I design the informational components so they feel integrated rather than layered on top as an afterthought. The lettering, layout and colour all work together with the illustrated elements so the sign communicates effectively while still expressing a sense of place. Ultimately, my goal is to create work that feels rooted, intentional, and reflective of its environment — something that helps people recognize where they are, but also deepens their appreciation for the unique features that define that location.

Your own art also emphasizes a connection with nature – like your native seed packets. Why is that important to you, and what do you hope to convey with those pieces?

Photo credit: Jill Roberts Photography

I’m constantly inspired by the shapes, colours and textures that happen organically in nature, without human intervention — they feel grounding and endlessly fascinating. Creating work that reflects that is my way of honouring the beauty in things we might otherwise overlook.

I’m especially drawn to native flora because not only are they beautiful, but they tell a story that’s deeply rooted in place. They carry the history, identity and unique characteristics of a landscape, so each native plant feels like a small, living expression of what makes an area distinct. That sense of belonging and specificity is something I find incredibly meaningful. With personal pieces like my native seed packets, I hope to highlight and celebrate those place-based stories and build on pride of place for people who live here. If my work encourages someone to pause, look more closely, and feel a stronger connection to the environment around them, then it’s doing exactly what I’d hoped for.

We’re so excited for the new Gifts of Nature you’ve created for us – is there anything you want to say about that collaboration? Do you have a favourite of the six you created, was there one that was especially fun or inspiring to create?

The Gifts of Nature collaboration was hands-down one of my favourite projects of the year! I’ve always been an animal lover and have volunteered for local animal rescues and causes for as long as I can remember. So it was so special to be able to work on something that completely aligned with my personal values, but that also challenged me to illustrate in a bit of a new way — for instance, drawing animals or species that I haven’t before like the Ram’s-Head Lady’s-Slipper or Mainland Moose. They were all so fun to research and draw, but I think my personal favourite is probably the Piping Plover. I see these sweet little guys everywhere when my husband and I visit the beaches in Cape Breton, and I loved getting the opportunity to create a special tribute to them.

Where else can we find your art this holiday season (and beyond)?

Photo credit: Jill Roberts Photography

You can find my artwork at many gift shops around the province, like Jennifer’s of Nova Scotia, Inkwell Boutique, Duly Noted, Train Yard General and SEEK Gifts & Home Decor, among others. I also have a special installation this year at the Halifax Shopping Centre, so be sure to keep an eye out for that! Other than that, I will always be sharing my latest work on my Instagram at @kdpletters and can’t wait to see what’s in-store for 2026 projects.