Artist: Kim Smerek
Kim was born in Victoria, grew up in Toronto, spent 10 years in rural Arizona, and now lives in the farthest reaches of southwest Nova Scotia. She studied at York University in Toronto for Fine Art and the Ontario College of Art (now OCAD) for Editorial Illustration. Kim has worked as a sign-painter and lettering artist, with interior designers, producing home decor pieces and murals. She has also worked as a scenic artist for clients including Disney, Holt Renfrew, the Calgary Zoo, and Broadway shows such as Wicked and the Lion King. Read more about Kim here.
What is your biggest indulgence as an artist?
Buying the best paint! And having a lot of art supplies to play with.
What is important to you as an artist?
The freedom and ability to make work that is authentic to me.
What challenges you the most in your practice?
My desire to make so many different sorts of things.
What themes or symbols are important to you as an artist?
The themes of growth, change and stillness are important to me because in exploring these themes I find the connections between all of us and the larger cycles of the universe, and it gives me a sense of belonging.
If you were to hang one work of art by another artist in your home, which would you choose?
Ophelia by John Everett Millais.