We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Chanthalakeo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kim thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Like most of us, I am pulled several directions on a daily basis, but creating art is my escape. When I gaze at the gallery wall in my studio, I see a vibrant and whimsical array of themes. Overall, when I look at all the art I’ve created here, I see passion and perseverance.

Sometimes I wonder where I would be at today had I prioritized my passion for art and pursued a career in art earlier in life, but at the time, I didn’t see that as a feasible career. My parents are first generation immigrants with high expectations. My parents, first-generation immigrants with high expectations, never encouraged my artistic pursuits. My mom viewed art as messy and distracting. As a result, I was raised with the belief that excelling in school and establishing a stable career were the priorities. In both my career and personal life, I have consistently felt torn between pursuing a stable job and nurturing my creative side.

After graduating from high school, I enrolled in cosmetology school and moved to a different state with the intention of obtaining my license and getting a fresh start. My plan was to then pursue a business degree and eventually open my own salon. After cosmetology school, I had to move back home due to the economy and lack of job opportunities. During this time, I started my career in banking/finance. Once I saved enough money, I went back to cosmetology school to get the required hours to my home state and went back to that career.

After a year, I found out I was expecting! Because of this, I chose to leave behind the unpredictable aspects of my previous job—such as varying start times and reliance on tips/commissions—and transitioned to a more stable position with insurance, consistent hours, and returned to the banking/finance sector. I returned to school to pursue my bachelor’s degree in business, motivated both by personal ambition and the desire to secure a better future for my son. Balancing work, school, and raising a small child was undoubtedly one of the most challenging periods of my life, but it was all worth it to walk across that stage and embrace my son after the graduation ceremony. After graduation, we welcomed my daughter into the world, and I aimed to advance in the corporate ladder to provide stability for my family. However, I found myself increasingly burnt out and lacking the support I needed. Mentally, emotionally, and physically, I was slowly losing myself, but I persisted in moving forward. Recently, I encountered the loss of my job as an underwriter, my first experience with unemployment.

You know the saying, “Everything happens for a reason”? I believe that’s true in my case. While unemployed, I took a leap of faith to invest in myself, my passion, my art. All the creativity I hadn’t been able to fully release, got the full attention it deserved. I went to the craft store and bought a ton of painting supplies – specifically black canvases. A lot of people are timid to paint on black canvases because you really have to take the negative space into consideration, but I’m ambitious. I knew that to improve, I needed to challenge myself. So, I did! I knew I would eventually find another job, but until then, art became my daily therapy. Being creative is incredibly therapeutic.

My first show at the local Art Collective was on all black canvases. I was nervous going in, but I relaxed when I realized that I never created my art with financial gain top of mind. I created my art as a way to express myself, spark the interest of those in my community, and to learn. It’s such a wholesome feeling when someone finds an art piece that they love from my collection. Art to me, is personal, so when someone connects to it, it’s really special. I want other people to experience the impact that art can have.

Another door opened for me to start facilitation Art as Therapy classes. I want other people to experience the impact that art can have. When students attend my art classes, they learn that art is a safe space where they’re free to express what they can’t say in words. I experienced trauma in my childhood, but art was always there for me. Suicide rates among teenage youth have been rising significantly. I want them to know that art can always be there for them too. Being creative not only enhances cognitive abilities but also supports emotional well-being. Art is healing. Art is personal. Art is whatever you want, or need, to make it.

Another way I contribute to my community through art is by donating to local art shows that benefit nonprofit organizations in our area. It’s important to me to foster community connections and support its growth through giving back. We all deserve a sense of community, to have hope and know that we matter.

When I think about what I’ve accomplished in the past couple of years, I’m extremely proud of myself. I’m humble enough to acknowledge that I am a newer artist in the scene, but I am confident enough to acknowledge that I am making a difference for myself and others. I finally made the decision to choose me. I chose to pursue my passion, believe in myself, and put my energy into things that fuel my creativity; consequently, I am improving, inspiring others, and helping my community. Imagine now, if I would have pursued my passion sooner in life, how much better I could be, how many others I could have inspired, and how much more I could have helped my community. I wish I would have started sooner, so that I could make an even bigger difference in this world.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m grateful to have supportive friends who inspire and guide me, encouraging me to showcase my work and become an integral part of our art community.

Currently, my specialty lies in acrylic paints. I’ve experimented with metallics, neon’s, and pour techniques within acrylic painting. I’m gradually delving into watercolors with the hope of eventually trying my hand at oil paints. I love painting on canvas, the bigger the better! I’ve collaborated with a local artist who specializes in bleach dye to create clothing featuring designs I’ve created. Additionally, I’ve experimented with temporary tattoos and other apparel items. Lately, I’ve developed a new fascination with painting unique plant holders. During art shows, I usually offer prints and am open to commissions. I believe I’ve been receiving more commissions because people enjoy working with me and appreciate having art customized to fit their living spaces and personal preferences.

What I’m most proud of is my determination to explore and experiment. I don’t often face creative blocks; instead, I have a surplus of ideas I want to paint, try out, and explore. The challenge lies in balancing them all. This is where the advice to enjoy the journey has been invaluable, and indeed, I have embraced it. Reflecting on my works from the beginning to now, it’s been a joy to witness the growth and improvement.

Art is deeply personal, as it reflects a piece of your own story. My goal is for viewers of my art to experience a range of emotions, find inspiration, and appreciate the beauty and richness of life’s colors. I think this is what sets me apart from others. I always joke that I cannot leave a canvas blank.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Many people hesitate to explore their creativity because they believe art must conform to certain standards or be exceptionally good. They’re often preoccupied with the end results. In reality, creativity is about using your imagination and ideas to bring something to life, regardless of the final outcome. As an artist, I constantly remind myself to trust the process. It involves multiple layers and stages to achieve the final result, but the true essence of being creative lies in enjoying the journey and understanding the emotions it evokes.

One of my favorite prompts for Art as Therapy students is to illustrate themselves as superheroes. I also challenge them to consider what superpower they would choose and how they would use it to positively impact the world, without constraints like money or time. It’s amazing to see the creativity that emerges from this exercise. This and other prompts are incredibly effective in fostering self-identity, self-esteem, self-confidence, and various other aspects of personal growth. Also, helping others also helps you learn about yourself as well.

Creativity isn’t limited to painting or drawing; it extends to many other activities as well. It can include scrapbooking, knitting, jewelry making, and much more. The essence of creativity is exploring various forms of expression and finding what resonates with you. Art is incredibly therapeutic; even activities like coloring can improve mental health, reduce stress, and promote calmness. I encourage others to explore and discover their own creative outlets, finding new and enjoyable ways to express themselves.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I believe society as a whole should show more appreciation for art! There’s a misconception that art, art buyers, dealers, and viewers need to fit into a specific mold, when in reality, if a piece of art speaks to you, it speaks to you. Art should be appreciated and enjoyed by anyone who connects with it. The ongoing debate about what constitutes art and what doesn’t can undermine both society and the artistic community. Each artist’s work reflects their personal journey, regardless of whether it aligns with traditional definitions of art.

We need increased funding for the arts and more venues to host art shows and events. It’s disheartening to see art programs in schools being defunded, along with after-school clubs. I believe we need to encourage more youth to pursue art, whether for enjoyment or as a career. It’s important to challenge the stigma that suggests everyone must follow certain career paths or have their lives completely figured out by a certain age. Art as Therapy needs to be more available to society and valued as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearest_kim_art/
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• Other: https://www.serendipitystudiosd.com/associate-artists/dearest-kimhttps://unhingedunmasked.com/collections/dearest-kim-collection