Why Whiski? Story behind the pseudonym.

Hello, my name is Krissy Whiski. I was actually born with one of those long Polish last names, a labyrinth of consonants and vowels that tangle the tongue and puzzle the pen. A few years into being an artist I recognized the spelling of my name confused people trying to spell, or pronounce it, let alone remember it. So I decided to develop my artist pseudonym.  A pseudonym, also known as a pen name, is a fictitious or fake name. Many well known famous people donned pen names for one reason or another. Mark Twain was a pen name wielded by the famous American author Samuel Clemens. Artist and child author Theodor Geisel, is better recognized as Dr. Seuss, but held three pen names. Steven King wrote a number of books, I enjoy under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. Legendary female star Marylin Monroe was born Norma Jean Mortensen.

The most intriguing thing is not the recreated names themselves but rather the story of how they came about. There are so many reasons people use a pen name, for instance, it rolls off the tongue, it adds credibility, they dislike their birth name, it fits their profession, it's a nickname, or it is easier to remember. A pseudonym can be a way to re-invent yourself. I've trademarked mine and here's the story behind how and why Whiski felt fitting.

At that time from 2005 up through 2014  I would sign all my paintings "KSKI" and there are so many "Ski's" in the art world. 

Why Whiski?  The pseudonym I’ve chosen, is more than a name—it is an invocation, a symbol of the distinct ritual process by which I transform experience into expression. Let me tell you a bit about the meaning behind the symbolism and process.

Whiskey is a spirit. The term "spirits" originates from the Latin spiritus, meaning breath or life force, symbolizing the alchemical belief that distillation captures the essence or soul of a substance. Alchemists viewed the process as transforming raw materials into a purified, ethereal form, releasing the material’s innermost qualities. This mystical extraction of a substance's "spirit" mirrors spiritual ascension, with the vapor rising, condensing, and materializing as a potent liquid. This symbolic process reflects the deep connection between physical transformation and spiritual awakening in ancient thought.

Whiskey, derived from the Gaelic uisge beatha or "water of life," embodies the ancient art of distillation, transforming raw grain into an elixir that captures the essence of life itself. As it matures in barrels, whiskey absorbs the character of it's wood vessel, unlocking deeper complexities over time. Often called the "philosopher’s drink," it has long been associated with introspection, its alchemical process symbolizing the pursuit of wisdom. Much like this transformation, my art is a process of distilling lived experiances to reveal inner mystical truths. I distill my inner world, drawing out essence, the name Whiski is more than a pseudonym—it’s a symbol of this alchemy, the merging of spirit, art, and time into something divine.

With a glass of bourbon or scotch in hand, I am drawn into a space where the spirit whispers ancient secrets, guiding me toward forgotten truths. Whiskey becomes more than a drink—it is the essence of life, evolving much like my own creative journey. With every reflection, the muse within me deepens, beckoning profound insights. Each brushstroke carries the intricate notes of a rich aqua vitae, drawing you into hidden realms. My art, like whiskey, seduces with hidden depths, offering provocative glimpses of the unseen, as if each layer holds the key to an untold secret.