Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Schuessler.
Kim, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Having been born and raised in Georgia, my southern roots run deep and you can hear it when I speak. As with most Southerners, my faith is strong, my family comes first and I’m passionate about my work. The world has many distractions and choices, but I define success as the ability to stay focused on well-intended goals. I have traveled, studied and lived in many places around the globe from Hong Kong to Puerto Rico. I have found that although the scenery and cultures can be extreme in their differences, much remains the same. We all need someone to love, something to hope for and goals to achieve. My paintings depict these common essentials as I illustrate couples dancing, woman standing strong and friends supporting one another.
Visually, I am inspired by colors, patterns, fashion, fabrics and PEOPLE. I studied art abroad in France and Italy, attended Parsons School of Design and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia. After graduating from University of Georgia with a BFA in painting, like most artist, my goal was to paint and sell my work. However, I soon realized that it was a process that was going to take time and a strategic plan. The plan included: working at an art gallery, going back to school to get an art education certificate, teaching in a public school and entering into the art market through shows and galleries. I taught art in the public-school system for five years and I would not trade that experience for anything. Teaching taught me: how to communicate, how to manage time, and how to always be prepared. While teaching, I entered art shows and sought gallery representation and began the process of becoming a professional artist. I have pursued art for the past 23 years and each day I keep discovering, changing and creating. With each painting, I fall more deeply in love with communicating through my art.
I have been honored to see my art in the most amazing places and yes, these successes are exciting, energizing and validating! However, the validation is short lived because I am always questioning myself… What can I do to improve and what is the next goal? These questions drive me to pursue my passion daily.
My greatest sense of accomplishment has been seeing people enjoy my works at places I never imagined.…like a Spanx bra. In February of the year, Spanx featured me as one of Sara Blakey’s favorite artist and put my art on their products. I am the first artist Spanx collaborated with. I am an optimist who wants my audience to pursue their passion, to find joy in everyday occurrences and to cherish those they love.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My paintings honor the power, beauty, creativity and daringness of all women. I use acrylic paint and collage to create paintings that speak about loving life. Recently, I have been using dresses and skirts to spread my message. I use the silk dress or skirt as a canvas. I have always been interested in fashion and style and now I am merging them together and could not be more excited about this new medium. I am passionate about my art and hope others feel this energy when they look at my work.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
The most important lesson that I have learned from my work is to stay focused. It is easy to get distracted but if you know what you want, imprint it in your mind and work every day to achieve your goals. Success does not come over night, it is a long, hard process that takes time and determination. My advice to other artist would be to set goals and start moving, doing and creating. It is action that helps you achieve success. Believe in yourself and pursue your passion with integrity and massive amounts of energy.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I just had a show (April) at Shain Gallery in Charlotte and collaborated with Spanx as their first artist to put art work on their products.
Contact Info:
- Address: Kim Schuessler
- Website: www.kimschuessler.com
- Instagram: kimschuesslerartist
- Facebook: kim schuessler artist
Image Credit:
Spanx for photo with Sara Blakey and Kim Schuessler
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