Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly Case. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kimberly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In the Time of COVID is a real-time journey through the pandemic of COVID-19, through the lens of a self portrait artist. When I realized the virus was going to have a real and global impact, I wanted to have a record, something I could look back on, that would remind me of the unfolding events as well as how I was feeling on particular days. I also needed something to help keep me busy and in tune with my art and with myself. I began going to my studio each week to explore, create and document.
At the beginning, I had no idea I would be working on this project for most of the year…. The first image was taken March 22; the final image was shot January 11, 2021.
On June 30, 2020, The Koger Center for the Arts announced its “1593 Project” a call for art to support artists during the corona-virus pandemic. Nearly 60 South Carolina performing and visual artists sent in submissions, including me. My series of photographs was chosen as the winner.
The entire series is 65+ photographic self portraits and still life works focusing on aspects of life during the pandemic such as isolation, altering of routines, search for information, tangible boredom, signals of hope, and desire for normalcy.
Some images are extremely personal, such as the ones that deal with a family member’s cancer diagnosis. Many of the images address shared experiences that spanned the globe.
For example, the still life “7 cm” is very close to my heart: that is the approximate size of the tumor found in and removed from a family member at the beginning the pandemic. The already surreal terrain of cancer diagnosis and treatment was further affected by COVID-19 precautions.
In the self-portrait, “Let Them Wear Masks,” I wanted to give a nod to the very popular Tiger King television series that it seemed everyone was watching and discussing. I also wanted to ask the question: “If we promise to wear masks, may we go out, please?” A that point in the pandemic, people were seeming to grow weary of binge-watching dubious TV fare, and a surreal ennui set in. Mask requirements were being put into place, and many stir-crazy folks (myself included) seemed more than happy to submit to ordinances requiring mask wearing. I set this image in the parlor of a French aristocrat, to further echo Marie Antoinette’s oblivious statement concerning the hunger of the poor: “Let them eat cake.”
Early in the project, I was captivated by the images depicting the enemy: a studded and textured sphere; I wanted to make one for myself, to own and to tame. Thus, the Corona-Virus mini-collection, which includes the image: “In the Time of COVID.” This is a tribute to healthcare workers, including researchers. In this image, a nurse in vintage uniform holds a COVID-19 molecule and gives a blessing of health to onlookers.
The Koger Center exhibition was displayed in the arts center’s upstairs gallery the summer of 2021. For more information on the contest and the exhibition, including a podcast (Session #2 under Arts Roundup) discussing the project and my creative process, see the Koger Center’s website: www.kogercenterforthearts.com
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
How did I get started in photography? That’s an easy question to answer! On March 4, 2018, I was assisting behind the scenes at a local photography studio during a large family photo session. At that time, there were two photographers at Studio 3P, LLC. Randy, the lead photographer directing the session handed me a spare camera and jokingly said to me, “You aren’t busy; why don’t you take some photos?” I did, and the rest is history. I found that I loved capturing people’s expressions, in showing people how special they are. It was then I began my never-ending quest to explore this new artistic medium.
A few months after that first portrait session, I entered an image of a beautiful child into the state fair arts competition. I was overjoyed when Girl with Sword earned Best of Show in the Professional Division. I was told that it was the first photograph to ever win that distinction in the 150+ years of the South Carolina State Fair. With that big affirmation, I was encouraged that I was on the right track.
I began “second-shooting” at portrait sessions directed by my two mentors at Studio 3P. When the founder became ill, I stepped in to try to fill his shoes. As his health declined, he sought to teach me what he knew about photography and about the business of managing a successful portrait studio. Such a giving person, he shared his life’s knowledge until his passing. After his death, my other mentor, William, took me on as his business partner. In 2019, I became the lead photographer at Studio 3P, LLC in Irmo, SC.
Since then, I have devoted myself to carrying on the studio’s work while developing my own artistic style. Along the way, my artwork has won many national competitions and awards, been published internationally, and been featured on SCE TV and other media outlets. But, most importantly, it has brought smiles and wonder to clients and viewers.
As the pandemic hit in 2020, the Koger Center for the Arts put out a call to artists to submit their quarantine work. Over 55 artists from around the region submitted their artwork; from among all the entries, my portfolio won the top prize and was selected for exhibition during the summer of 2021. My exhibition, In the Time of COVID (70+ self-portraits and still life images) took center stage at this regional artistic powerhouse; what an honor!
Apart from all the awards and recognition for my artwork, the thing that fulfills me the most is watching my clients fall in love with themselves after seeing their portraits we’ve created. This world can be hard, but there is a lot of power in a well-done portrait. That’s my main artistic mission: to elevate my subjects in their own eyes…to let them see how special they are, even if they don’t see it themselves.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
There is actually some controversy in some parts of the art community concerning whether photography should be counted among other artistic art forms such as watercolor, oil and pastels. Of course, I would shout a loud “Yes! Photography can be art!” Although I have explored many different art forms throughout my life, portrait photography is the one artistic medium that I have found all-engrossing of every artistic skill I have. I constantly study and experiment to increase my knowledge and skill. I bring my artist’s eye to every session, seeking to enhance the composition and elevate the portraits to the highest level.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My artwork is unique in the area. Often, at first glance, my work is mistaken for an oil painting. This is due to several design factors: rich colors, deep textures, dramatic lighting, and use of strong artistic composition. Often, for my creative work, I make use of special wardrobe and costumes. However, for my client work, I seek to fulfill their wishes, their dreams, for their portrait. I have over 1000 ft.² of storage piled high with wardrobe and accessories to help fulfill my clients’ visions. Sometimes, only the simplest hints are required to paint the mood, other times an immersive set is built with layered wardrobe. It all depends on the end goal.
While many photographers find themselves called on to capture primarily weddings and babies, I’ve been blessed to meet so many different people at different exciting times of their lives: authors publishing new books, musicians beginning new ventures, singers cutting new albums, heads of business re -branding themselves…. I love helping moms, dads, children and students! Each person has their own story to tell, their own hopes and dreams. My clients come from all over South Carolina (and even out of state) because they see what I provide and its difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.studio-3P.com
- Instagram: @studio3p2903
- Facebook: @PhotoStudio3p
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-3p-llc/