Today I welcome the talented artist Kimia Kline. I am so excited about this interview because I love her work and the stories on her blog!!
Tell us a bit about your background
I was born in Nashville, TN, but have been lucky enough to live all over the world in places like Ecuador, Costa Rica, Japan, Israel, and now India. The incredible experiences of living abroad have shaped my views and expanded my artistic practice.
Describe your creative space
My studio is a small little side room we have in our apartment here in Chennai. I picked this room because it's filled with light and has two beautiful windows overlooking our neighborhood.
Describe your typical Creative workday
A typical workday includes waking up to a cup of Earl Grey Tea and blogging or catching up with the business side of being an artist for a few hours. Then at around 11, I'll start to paint or draw in my studio and make work until dinner time. Sometimes I'll paint into the night if I've really started something that excites me.
Two things you can't live without
I couldn't work without a) Photoshop and b) Liquin. It's a product that helps oil paint dry faster. :)
Do you have any routine or rituals in your work habits?That cup of Earl Grey tea I mentioned.
How do you keep focused while working?I've never really had a problem focusing. Painting is my favorite thing to do, and I generally find it really easy to focus on the things I love.
What is your primary source of inspiration?The role of women and femininity are the main sources of my inspiration.
What part of your work do you enjoy the most?I love the start of a painting because it's always filled with so much excitement and hope. In those early stages you haven't messed anything up yet.
What are you working on now?
Right now I'm working on a series of paintings about the wedding dowry system in India. Unfortunately many women are killed by their husbands or mother-in-laws because they were unable to pay enough dowry during their wedding ceremonies. I learned that the highest rate for "dowry deaths" is actually in Chennai, India--the city I'm currently living in. So I'm hoping these paintings will bring some awareness and attention to this tragic practice that is still so common.
Thank you Kimia for sharing your space with us!!!
Kimia's Blog
Kimia's Portfolio
Kimia's Shop
