Artists
Kimmyg
As a small child in the Lake District of England Kim's world was full of natural inspiration. Kim has fond memories of her parents taking time to point out all manner of inspiration in the natural world they explored during the many family walks and holidays they shared in the Lake District, their local environment and the West Coast of Scotland to name but a few. Her mother, also an accomplished potter and painter has been a huge influence on her creative development, particularly in teaching her to LOOK at and be interested in just about everything!
In her early 20's, Kim moved to London, where for a short time she worked with a Mauritian lady who made beautiful dresses for the Jewish community that were often heavily beaded. She was enchanted by their beauty and around the same time discovered 'The Bead Shop' in Covent Garden (which is still there some 30+ years later!). Kim found a passion that has never really left her. Kim loved to feast her eyes on artist-made beads coming from individuals primarily in the USA even then. She also admired the many other styles of beads available from worldwide sources! Kim's small collection of 'special beads' began here, many of these beads she still has.
Over the years Kim has worked in many other media. She has also taught, primarily in textiles, through the local TAFE college and by private arrangement. Her creative practice has spanned a variety of disciplines, examples are: embroidery, dyeing, printing, painting, leadlighting and building furniture to name just a few. During the period Kim was significantly involved with textiles, she also worked for almost three years part-time as a "reef-interpreter" which meant regular trips to the Great Barrier Reef - snorkelling, diving and guiding reef walks - this unique environment has been another huge influence on her creativity with its seemingly infinite array of colours, patterns and forms.
When, in 2002 an opportunity arose for Kim to undertake a 5-day course with Jandy Pannell in glass bead making she could not resist. Says Kim "When undertaking this tuition I found my love affair with glass beads in all their myriad possibilities was refreshed and renewed. Of course, I still constantly look at colours, textures, patterns everywhere so I feel that I have an encyclopedia of both remembered and newly experienced influences to paint into my glass palette!"
Kim now lives on a 60 acre property just North of Brisbane. Her studio is situated at her home, high on a ridge, with great views of the Glasshouse Mountains, Caloundra and Moreton Island.
