Join us for First Friday in Littleton, featuring Kim Roberts.
Modern West
22590 W Main Street, Littleton
7.1.2022, 6-9pm
Meet Kim Roberts
My work is about space, whether it's the vast expanse of a desert landscape or the quality of mind that arises within it.
I’m fascinated by the ever-changing moods of the natural world--the color of uranium mountains at sunset, purple snow shadows on a cactus field, or the sky’s electric intensity before a thunderstorm. I’m also interested in the moods, or states of mind evoked by being here, and enjoy the challenge of expressing these emotions in color and form.
My inspiration comes from spending time in Crestone, Colorado, where I live. Recognized as a spiritual “power place,” seekers and pilgrims retreat to this high alpine valley to access inner wisdom. The surrounding Sangre de Cristo mountain range sets the stage for a mystical environment where “the veil is thinner.”
The painting begins with a sense of place— a mountain, valley or desert. But the geography is simply a mirror for the sense of internal location evoked by each landscape.
Each piece I create is an attempt to plant a seed of awareness, and to invite the viewer into a deeper experience of their own awareness of place and presence—a sort of meditation in action.
I try to capture the ineffable atmosphere of the Southwest landscape as well as the spacious quality of mind that arises within it.
My hope is to convey how this spaciousness is a bridge to an experience of connection through location-- with ourselves, with each other, and with something larger than ourselves.
Learn more about Kim Roberts in our Q+A!
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Best piece of advice I ever received was from my grandmother, whose motto was, "relax and enjoy." It pretty much covers the entire spectrum.
What are you working on right now?
Right now I'm working on translating the discoveries I make on my yoga mat (a calm and spacious mind, a compassionate embrace of this crazy mess called daily life) into my contemporary Colorado landscapes. I live part-time in southern Colorado near the Sangre de Cristo mountains, where there are many spiritual centers and where there is "something special" in the air. My current exploration is how to translate these intangible experiences into my paintings.
What are you known for?
In a previous phase of life I was an Ashtanga yoga teacher and taught at luxury resorts and hotels all around south and southeast Asia. I'm still known as "the ashtanga yoga teacher" in many circles and even though I focus now primarily on making art, I still have a daily yoga practice that informs how I approach my painting.
Who are your biggest influences?
My biggest influences are my yoga and meditation teachers, who teach me how to work with my mind and maintain the calm, clear insight that helps me see what I want to paint with objectivity.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in deep nature - the mountains, in the woods, by the rushing streams, in the spacious expanse of a verdant valley. My passion is to share the felt-sense I get from these places with others - through my painting.
Get in touch with Kim Roberts
https://www.kimrobertsart.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimrobertsart/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimRobertsArt
If you are a local artist/crafter/maker/indie business owner and would like to be featured on our blog, please fill out this form or contact Ashley at ashley@westandmainhomes.com with questions...we can't wait to learn all about you!
