"Never lose your sense of wonder. It keeps your mind open to learning and ripe for wisdom." MaryElise describes this as the guiding mantra behind her creative practice. For more than fifteen years, she has been on a mission to transform prayer, reflection, and imagination into visual expressions, using the canvas as a sacred space for storytelling and connection. Originally from the Bronx, New York, and now based in Atlanta, Georgia, Kristen Goard was raised in a family that deeply valued the arts. Creativity was woven into everyday life, nurturing her passion from an early age. She began playing piano at the age of three and drawing by the age of five, discovering in both disciplines a powerful way to process her thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Kristen creates under the name MaryElise, an artistic alias shared with her mother through their middle name. The name serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the person who first encouraged her artistic journey. "My mom was the first person to champion my passion," she reflects. "From there, I created a safe space where I could freely dive deep within myself and connect to my inner source. I cherish that connection, and I get excited when my artwork resonates with others. For me, the expression of creativity carries the heart of truth within itself and has little to do with interpretation or evaluation." Through her work, MaryElise invites viewers into a world of wonder, introspection, and possibility. Her art explores the fantastical landscapes that exist within us all, bridging the spiritual and imaginative realms through vibrant visual narratives. As the MaryElise brand continues to evolve, its mission remains rooted in inspiring curiosity, truth, and meaningful connection reaching audiences from private collectors around the world to the families and communities in her own neighborhood.