Painter Kim DeJesus [INTERVIEW]

Los Angeles painter Kim DeJesús dips her brush into a mixture of acrylic, oil paints to create her work or uses drawing materials when the mood strikes. She says, “I have a responsive way of working with whatever the material suggests, which fits my personality because I am interested in how something feels versus the way it looks.” She trained at Arizona State University, where she was the recipient of the Katherine K. Herberger Painting Scholarship, and received a post-graduate degree in art from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. Kim started her art career as a teacher and for over a decade, she pursued community-based collaborative art initiatives in the US and abroad. In recent years, her studio practice has led her back to painting and she is working with William Turner Gallery in Los Angeles. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to interview Ms. DeJesus and what drives her, as an artist. 

Inspiration:

Many aspects of life inspire me, and many great artists have paved the way for what art is today. I think it’s important to respect and revere what has come before, and I often reflect on and research many artists I admire. My time in Greece, Spain, and Paris has consistently influenced my painting. 

Favorite Painting:

In the same way, it would be hard to pick a favorite child; it is hard to pick a favorite painting. Also, my experiences with my paintings change over time, which can increase my connections to them. For example, last year, I immediately knew when I finished a painting called “The Glance.”  It happened rather quickly when usually, it takes me much longer to figure out how a work is moving. I put it in the corner of my studio and worked on other paintings. I found myself constantly coming back to it. Ultimately, it helped answer some critical questions I had been asking. 

Most Transformative Artistic Experience: 

The curation of my recent show Erasures, Washes and Memory was transforming for me in many ways because it gave me the experience to have my work in the world, in a beautiful space, after the pandemic. I am deeply grateful for all the things it brought together after an isolating and globally devastating moment in time. 

Bucket List Must!

I have been to Spain a few times but have oddly never been to Madrid. I have been thinking about Guernica by Picasso for many years. I would love to stand in front of that painting. Somehow, the grandiosity of such a tragic event seems approachable painted in the hands of Picasso. I also think anything by Tennesee Williams is brilliant. If one of his plays were cast and directed effectively, it would be transformative because he teaches us about what it means to be human in a timeless and rare way.

Her Creative Truth…

Know your purpose. This is different for everyone, but it is essential to understand to develop an intentional life. The better questions we ask ourselves, the closer we can get to living meaningfully.

Work in Progress:

The last body of work I exhibited dealt with my conversation and relationship to memory and forgetfulness, how it works and what it reveals about us and the world. During the pandemic, I have been reflecting on memory more than ever, and I am continuing this search in my new work. 

It’s Always Been Painting…

Yes, always. While I can’t remember the first time, I know I had a connection to drawing materials ever since I got my hands on them. I liked the way materials could help me express my way of relating to the world.  I was a curious kid and found comfort in making art. My high school art teacher was an advocate for me, which helped build my confidence more than I probably realized at the time.

Biggest Challenge as an Artist:

Being an artist is a complicated path with many challenges. One challenge I face is to quiet the noise around me. It’s an ongoing commitment to keep my studio sacred and free of as many distractions as possible. I thankfully have a support system that is very understanding when I disappear into my work.

Most Rewarding Aspect of Her Work:

It is rewarding to feel a deep sense of purpose in what I am doing.  It took me a while to figure out, but it becomes sharper every year. The more clear your purpose, the easier it is to make decisions and know what is not meant for you. Understanding why I am doing what I am creates deep meaning in my life, which is probably the most valuable thing for me as a person and artist.

Key to Success:

A central part of success is the ability to get back up after failing. Failure is part of making art. The quicker you can stand back up and use what you learned to get to the next level, the more successful I think an artist can be. I have fallen so many times, and while I often feel far from my goals, I see just how far I have come when I reflect on my failures. My commitment to getting back up has proven to be very helpful on my path.

Would Have Loved to Have Met Picasso.

Picasso. Though arguably a difficult man, he is without question a brilliant mind and one of the most influential artists.  His ambition, resilience, and relationship to painting is something I am constantly learning from, and I would love to watch him work. 

Advice for Up and Coming Artists:

If someone criticizes your dreams, ignore them. Unless, however, they are someone whose opinion you deeply respect. In that case, try to examine and look at it. Try to understand what they are saying and why they are saying it. Perhaps, they see what you can’t because you are too inside of something. Use what you can to grow, and then you must keep believing in yourself and your work at all costs, above all else. 

Don’t show your work until you are ready. Study, learn, and absorb as much information as you can about your practice. Find out what it is you’re searching for first before you try to bring in everyone else. 

Her Shows:

I was very fortunate to have my show Erasures Washes and Memory this May. I am excited that my next show in LA will be at William Turner Gallery.

Biggest Career “WOW!” 

The support of collectors and friends means a lot to me and is something that keeps me going. Every time someone wants to live with my work, that is a great feeling and one I do not take for granted. 

Interesting Story…

When I was in art school and then a high school art teacher, I spent my summers living in underdeveloped parts of the world. I worked for several non-profit organizations in infirmaries, orphanages, and schools. It was a precious chapter of my life that helped give me the foundation for how I understand the world today. These experiences taught me how beautiful and cruel humanity is, that miracles exist, how we need each other so very much, and that the universal language of love is ultimately what we desperately need to heal.

Thank you Kim for sharing your story! To learn more about Kim or view her work visit kimdejesus.com.