We were lucky to catch up with Kimberly Conrad recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kimberly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

I think professional artists in general are misunderstood in that our art is our job; our living.
We work like every other employed person, and social media is a big part of that, but
there is a lot of judgement from non-creatives especially on social media platforms around selling, be it courses, artwork, or art related products. I have experienced this, as have many colleagues, and artists that I coach.
This has been at times, a hot topic for me.

There can be tremendous backlash especially when something traumatic is happening in the world, be it fires, floods, tragic events in general, and we continue on.
I created a video that addressed this during the pandemic, because so many of us were dealing with hateful comments and accusations around being insensitive and down right HORRID, for simply showing up to work.

Just as the people employed by corporate America have an obligation to show up to work in order to pay rent and car payments buy food, pay medial bills, and care for their families, etc., artists have to show up for the very same reasons. This is our work, our livelihood, and many of us also employ others, who depend on that income for their livelihood. I honestly believe that the general public has no concept of this. It can be discouraging even to those of us who have worked in this field for decades.

That being said, I believe we have the greatest job in the world. To translate the world as we see it; to bring beauty into the world that enhances the lives of others; to share pieces of our soul that often connect with the very soul of the viewer. Art is a beautiful, wondrous visual language.

Kimberly, 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 have been two things since I was a very young girl: a “maker” and a “teacher”.
According to my Mother, I was always creating things and then lining my dolls up to teach them.
I am a full time artist, and certified master life coach (still the maker and the teacher)
dividing my time between painting, manning my Denver gallery and coaching women.

After operating an art and music school for kids from my home for over 15 years, I switched gears and
Kimberly Conrad Contemporary Art Gallery opened its’ doors in the Golden Triangle area of Denver, Colorado in 2013.
The 700 square foot space is in a charming 1906 building, and features my work exclusively. This beautiful space is also my hub for group and private coaching.

At this time I work with acrylic, oil, watercolor, and more; really I love it all!
My subject matter consists of seascapes, landscapes, florals, abstracts, and very unique aspens, which I ship around the world, but I am most known for my oversized abstracted seascapes. I live just outside of Denver with my husband of 38 years and 3 precious dogs. I’m so very blessed to have my four sons, their wives and soon to be 5 grandchildren all in the area. Colorado is home, and I love it, but the ocean soothes my soul, and I visit every chance I get. I bounce between the beautiful emerald waters of Panama City Beach Florida, and the sparkling blue waters of Manhattan Beach, California, where I have family.

I’m currently working on creating heART and Soul retreats for women in beautiful beach homes.
This has been a dream for some time-stay tuned!

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

My mission has evolved over the years. What honestly drives my creative journey at this time is my insatiable thirst for BEAUTY. I intentionally surround myself with all things beautiful, and I desire to bring beautiful things into the world for others. Beautiful things enhance our everyday experiences. They make common practices special. Art is one of those beautiful things. I eat from beautiful dishes, and drink from gorgeous glassware, or china, every single day, every single meal. Both my home office and studio are full of vintage china bowls, colored glass and other lovelies that house supplies. I paint in beautiful dresses, because
the more beautiful I feel, the more beautiful my painting experience. They are purchased just for this purpose, so yes – I get paint all over them! There is very little that we can control in the world, but there is something so very satisfying in surrounding oneself with beauty, creating beauty, and SHARING beauty.
As artists we share beauty.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

While the business side for any entrepreneur has very stressful times, I find that translating my thoughts and emotions through color, and the act of painting to be not only blissfully joyful, but also very therapeutic. Though my style remains quite diverse, I believe I am at heart an Expressionist. Each painting is a journey, dictated primarily by my current thoughts and emotions, be they happy, sad, peaceful or frenzied.
The canvas is a great listener. It’s a mysterious relationship, and is thrilling when the painting finally reveals itself, and our private journey becomes a story to share.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kimberlyconradcontemporaryart.com/
• Instagram: @kimberlyconradcontemporaryart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlyconradcontemporaryart

Image Credits

Photo Credits: Erin Latterell Burk, Sandra Kuykendall