Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberlyn Renee
Kimberlyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Art has been a passion for me from the very beginning. As a child if you asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up the answer would have been an artist. Sadly through the journey of growing up in a world where people tend to tell you that you need a “real job” and that art should be more of a hobby, I let that dream fall by the wayside. It wasn’t until after I graduated from business school in 2019 that I realized that being an artist was the only thing I truly wanted to be. It took a few years to build up the confidence to really give it my all (it’s scary putting work into something that means so much!) but in 2023 I showed a piece of mine for the first time in Soulard Art gallery and since then I have been working towards making my childhood dreams of becoming a full time artist come true! I think it’s because of this that much of the subject matter in my art focuses on childhood nostalgia, because I’m trying to get back to that hopeful way of thinking that I had in my youth where anything is possible.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel very blessed to be surrounded by so many supportive people who have helped me have faith in myself. All of my friends, family, partner and the amazing artist community in St. Louis have really made it such a great experience. As I’ve continued on my journey as an artist I have come to the realization that the biggest obstacle standing in my way has always been myself. Though I have begun to have more confidence in myself and my own abilities I still struggle with self doubt and imposter syndrome. I am not sure if that ever truly goes away but I’m learning to work through the negative voices in my head and just continue to create!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work in mostly acrylic as well as digital illustration. I would describe my style as pop surrealism. Much of my work focuses heavily on 90s/2000s nostalgia and other pop culture elements. One of my specialties is creating my paintings to present differently in different lighting by working with UV reactive fluorescent and glow in the dark phosphorescent paints to give my paintings an added dimension.
Another way I like to pay homage to pop culture throughout different eras is through my musician portraits and album cover recreations done on real vinyl records!
I love creating work that seems to truly resonate with my audience by taking them back to a specific time and place in their childhood-whether it be through their favorite band or movie, or maybe a specific candy or toy they remember from their youth. Through my body of work I try to awaken the inner child, not just in myself but in others as well.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Stop doubting yourself, and just keep creating! My only regret is not taking my career as an artist seriously sooner. St. Louis has an amazing community of artists who have been so helpful and uplifting for me personally, and I know that any other emerging artists will be welcomed with open arms! The world needs more art!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kimberlynrenee.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreneeart?igsh=NXo2d3owMGlldndo&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/165QxLxnMw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
