We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kym De Los Reyes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kym below.

Alright, Kym thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

So the most meaningful project i have worked on has been very personal and very recent. I had the opportunity to expand the size of my studio and rent a (much needed) larger space. Moving studios was something I had been planning on doing if and when the right space came along that was ideal. So the funny thing was, when I finally found the perfect space, I suddenly got cold feet and very nervous about expanding. My best friend gave me really great advice that encouraged me to pull the trigger. My best friend said to me, “Kym, right now you are a small fish in a small bowl…what do you think happens when you put that same small fish in a big ocean? …THEY GROW!” So those words of encouragement spurred a project of my own that would remind me of that special advice.. I just finished a 4 foot by 6ft painting that is now hanging in the lobby of my NEW and big studio. It is an beautiful abstracted fish escpaing the bow, swimming in the ocean and I just LOVE it! It is a very personnel piece that reminds me everyday that the road ahead is only open for possibilities and growth! The world is my ocean!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have been drawing and painting the world around me as long as I can remember. It was only natural that I went on to study the arts in high school and college. I graduated with a BFA from CSULB but it wasn’t until I turned 44 that I decided to work professionally as an artist. I am a painter of all that surrounds me, my past, my future or anything that inspires me. Growing up in California, naturally I tend to gravitate to the diverse California landscapes and beach vibes….I like to think that my subject is varied and my style consistently identifiable. I am proud of the looseness that my paintings hold. I have to work very hard to let go of the rendering I was taught in school. I am a disciplined painter and I practice my craft everyday. Letting go and not editing yourself to soon during a painting session is something that I need to work on daily. Trusting myself as an artist took a long time to do, but the consistency of hard work pays off and helps my creative side thrive.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

Honestly, I don’t understand NFTs. The whole point of painting is that it’s visceral and meant to been seen in person and up close to affect and reach the viewer. The ideas that paintings being made into a digital form as another existing is quite the turn off to me. Things made from intuition and full of soul don’t belong in the metaverse where it can not be possibly fully realized.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am quite motivated by my faith and belief that God made me to create. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. That belief that I am formed by the hands of God propels me to create.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kymdelosreyesart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kymdelosreyesart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kymdelosreyesart

Image Credits
Kellsey Bellmeyer at the Wooden Anchor Creative Design.