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Minneapolis, MN-based Kim Matthews uses various materials and improvised techniques to create nonobjective sculptures and drawings. She has exhibited in nonprofit and commercial galleries and museums across the US and was the recipient of a Jerome Fiber Artist Project Grant in 2010. Her work is included in Lark Books’ 500 Paper Objects and Schiffer Books’ Artistry in Fiber, Vol. 2: Sculpture.
Published on March 30th, 2020. Artist responses collected in months previous.
What projects are you working on right now?
I'm in kind of an odd space, feeling my current body of work nearing an end and gearing up for the next thing. Since the last presidential election I've been reassessing childhood experiences and reclaiming the best parts of them as a way to survive these times while doing some deep healing. My work isn't typically confessional in this way and no one needs to know this stuff for the work to be experienced but that's what's on my mind. I'm kind of pushing through the next phases of these colorful, awkward stacking small sculptures and thinking about doing something much different: very quiet, monochromatic drawings.
How do you keep yourself accountable in your practice?
Accountable to whom, for what? I'm not sure I understand this question. Professional art is no joke--most of us aren't painting and sipping, here. There are lots of other artists out there with more talent and more social currency than I have. If I want a place at the table, I have to do the best I can with what I have. With all the voices clamoring for attention, you have to have an almost religious conviction that what you're offering to the world is worth their time--or at least will be someday.
How do you stay motivated to pursue your creative work?
It's not a question of motivation to pursue my work; it's a question of mental and spiritual health. If I don't do it, I don't feel right. And I think we have to try to do something good while we're taking up space on this planet. I'm a devoted yogini and my work is an integral part of my spiritual practice.
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now and what would you like to say to yourself?
In 10 years I hope that I've figured out a way to support myself as an independent creative worker and spent most of my days pushing my studio practice forward. I guess I'd like to say, "You made it!"--whatever that means. I'd like to know my work matters to other people and makes their lives more rich, more joyful, more thoughtful, and more loving.
What projects are you working on right now?
I'm in kind of an odd space, feeling my current body of work nearing an end and gearing up for the next thing. Since the last presidential election I've been reassessing childhood experiences and reclaiming the best parts of them as a way to survive these times while doing some deep healing. My work isn't typically confessional in this way and no one needs to know this stuff for the work to be experienced but that's what's on my mind. I'm kind of pushing through the next phases of these colorful, awkward stacking small sculptures and thinking about doing something much different: very quiet, monochromatic drawings.
How do you keep yourself accountable in your practice?
Accountable to whom, for what? I'm not sure I understand this question. Professional art is no joke--most of us aren't painting and sipping, here. There are lots of other artists out there with more talent and more social currency than I have. If I want a place at the table, I have to do the best I can with what I have. With all the voices clamoring for attention, you have to have an almost religious conviction that what you're offering to the world is worth their time--or at least will be someday.
How do you stay motivated to pursue your creative work?
It's not a question of motivation to pursue my work; it's a question of mental and spiritual health. If I don't do it, I don't feel right. And I think we have to try to do something good while we're taking up space on this planet. I'm a devoted yogini and my work is an integral part of my spiritual practice.
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now and what would you like to say to yourself?
In 10 years I hope that I've figured out a way to support myself as an independent creative worker and spent most of my days pushing my studio practice forward. I guess I'd like to say, "You made it!"--whatever that means. I'd like to know my work matters to other people and makes their lives more rich, more joyful, more thoughtful, and more loving.
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