We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kim Bartholomew. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kim below.

Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

While I believe all art is meaningful, certainly to me as a creator and to those who respond to either the images or commentary, I have a great fondness for commissioned work. There is a powerful synergy in the collaboration of different individuals’ thoughts, emotions, skills, experiences, & applications. It’s the comingling of expectations — the envisioning together that I enjoy. I learn so much in the process of hearing about and studying requested subject matter presented to me, too. When it all comes together, the result is often more expansive than either contributor dreamed! I’ve had the privilege of providing commissioned work for both individuals, as well as businesses. Whether my work is displayed in a private or public setting, the commission process is greatly rewarding.

Kim, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am an artist, consultant, and teacher living in Roswell, Georgia. I grew up in Vidalia, Georgia and have always had a passion for the arts. After a 15-year career in art education and graduate degrees in counseling psychology, I merged my passions and launched a path to creating my own works as a form of therapy for the soul – for myself and viewers of my work.

As an abstract artist, my work is steeped in patterns of stylized silhouettes, curvilinear visual rhythm, and symbolic (rather than realistic) colors and shapes. I work in a variety of media creating series of themes to express what is felt beyond what is seen.

My original works, commissioned pieces, giclée’s, prints, cards, and related products can be observed and obtained online and at local exhibits. A portion of all sales is donated to the Florida School for the Deaf and the blind (www.fsdb.k12.fl.us) where my niece, McKenzie Rose Bartholomew, attends school in St. Augustine, Florida.

My art business has been designated as a “Trusted Art Seller” with The Art Storefronts Organization, which means you can shop with confidence, and know that I stand behind the quality and value of my products.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My ultimate goal or mission as an artist is to be an open, willing, and available vessel of God’s loving Spirit. For me, creating is personal, therapeutic, and worshipful. It’s an offering. Openly sharing my work feels quite vulnerable; I’m constantly torn between needing to promote it publicly and privately hide it away. But I have come to understand that any insight I receive and process through art is beneficial and bonding to my supporters. There is a connection resulting from my honest commentary that encourages and uplifts others. When that occurs, mission accomplished!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

My biggest lesson is not to major on the minor. I can easily get bogged down and disheartened by a need for perfection. And while I’ll always strive to present my utmost for HIs Highest, there is a difference in precision and perfection. I aim to be as skillful as possible in my craft, to continually learn, grow, and improve. But there is beauty in imperfection. Marks of the artist are ultimately unique treasures! If I only release what I deem as perfection, I will be stuck, silenced, stunted! Press on, I must.

Contact Info:

• Website: kimpbartholomew.com
• Instagram: @kimpbartholomew
• Facebook: @kpbartholomew
• Other: Clothing, products and accessories featuring my original art are found @ArtWearbyKPB on both Facebook and Instagram.