Hi friends! Today, I’m excited to share a peek inside the life, work and art of Kim Gibson. A newish-to-me artist that I connected with on Instagram. I love Kim for the colorful and amazing art, and positivity she spreads like sunshine on Insta, and was so excited when she agreed to answer a few questions about her work + practice, and life. And friends, after learning more about her (her love of lists, her commitment to paint daily, and her approach to her art) I am so excited for you too to discover Kim!
Tell us a bit about yourself. My name is Kim Gibson - I live is South Carolina - I grew up in Maryland. I have 3 children 25,24, & 15. Husband, Bernedoodle and rescue cat. Being creative means expressing your authenticity in no particular form. It could be singing, writing, painting or dancing.
What is your FIRST memory of being creative?
Creating wallpaper for my Barbie’s townhome.
When did you find your way back to creativity?
I have sacrificed much of my personal comfort to allow space for my children to thrive and shine. I made a promise to myself that once I finished homeschooling our youngest thru middle school I would focus on reacquainting with my passions.
You are creative for both your work as a photographer and in your life as a painter. Talk to us a bit about your approach. to creativity.
I create a list for everything. My list-making began in fourth grade. My friend Victoria and I would spend many an afternoon making list for all the pets hoped to own. The lists comprised all the things for an example a bunny would need. (Hutch, water bottle, fed bowl) Our thinking was that the lists provided our parents with evidence of our sincere commitment to responsible pet ownership. The principle that list-making is evidence of my commitment to an idea or task is still apart of my life along with my friend Victoria. I keep my many lists regarding photography and now painting in journals. I adore journals. I enjoy collecting them as much as I do memorializing my thoughts. I approach photography from the perspective of service. Painting is purely for my enjoyment.
An Example Weekly Painting To-Do list_
Watch at least 2 YouTube videos about drawing faces.
Draw 4 faces - Research African American Abstract Painter.
Paint something daily.
Write in painting journal - swatch fave colors of the week.
I love that you are new to painting, but you have such a bold expressive style. What made you interested to learn that medium?
I have always had a collection of color pencils, crayons, watercolors that I would take out to explore with my kids. I taught scrapbooking classes. I joined various artist trading card groups. My mother is a collector of African and African American art. I was introduced to art and had an early appreciation for creatives. Long before children and marriage, I regularly visited the National Gallery of Art from the time I was allowed to drive into the city from Silver Spring, Maryland.
I just decided in 2018 that in the Fall of 2019 I would start painting and learn to play the Double Bass. Haven’t started Bass lessons yet. I watched a ton of YouTube videos on painting styles and techniques.
In November 2019 I signed up for a Coursera course on Post-War Abstract Painters. After completing the course, I created my first list of how I would master my practice of art.
My only expectation was to paint every day.
What’s your creative practice look like on an average day?
I walk 5 miles every morning expect for Sunday.
Come home take the dog for a walk.
Make a list of 5 things I am grateful for that day.
Shower. Eat breakfast.
Brew a cup of English Breakfast tea and paint until 3pm.
I take a break for lunch and to walk the Dog.
I listen to music mostly. Sometimes a podcast.
I have begun posting my works in progress to my instagram stories.
Tell us a bit about your space.
Ipaint in our spare bedroom. It is a cramped cozy space. I have an easel and desk with wheels with Ikea. Nothing fancy.
How do you cultivate a sense of creativity + curiosity in your children?
I think I learned that your children are more inclined to participate if you are genuinely excited and they aren’t forced to participate. My kids usually want to do whatever I‘m doing.
All 3 of my children are creative and enjoy going to art museums and galleries.
What advice would you give yourself if you were just starting your creative journey?
Enjoy creating just for the process not for approval.
Rapid Fire Round.
Being creative means_ expressing enjoyment of every moment.
My creative habit brings me: joy.
My advice to anyone looking to push themselves into a creative life_ JUST DO IT!
When I feel creatively stumped, I_ stop and take a walk or dance around the house - read a book -
I know it’s time to try something new when_ when I’m not enjoying myself.
3 female creatives keep me inspired: @harrietraab - Alma Thomas Shelia Bridges @harlemtoilgirl
Thank you Kim for spending so much time with us! Find more of Kim + her work here.
If you or someone you know is a creative and would like to be featured here, drop us a note, we’d love to connect_ info@thecolorkind.com.
