In the Studio with Artist Kimmary MacLean
Art represents something different for each person. For some it is a valuable piece of merchandise, some feel as though the artwork displays their innermost feelings, some admire the skill of the artist because it is not something they can achieve, and some simply enjoy the colors. In the end art means something to all of us, what it means is our decision.
As a child Kimmary would spend hours perfecting her drawings, as a teenager she would hide in my room painting, and as an adult her version of a vacation is sketching or painting in a new place. She comes from a family of artists, musicians, and dancers. Her Great Great Grandfather was the interior designer for the Sultan's Palace in Istanbul, later commissioned for the World's Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. Her Great Grandmother was an artist, who painted, sculpted, and drew for the love of it. Her grandfather was a professional violinist and her grandmother founded the National Ballet, Inc. in Maryland. Her father was a talented painter and can pick out every note and instrument in any piece of music. And her mother was a great dancer and is still a great teacher and choreographer for the National Ballet, Inc. Her sister is a wonderful ballet teacher. Kimmary also plays the piano, clarinet, and oboe. But, she also teaches ballet. She really loves art in all forms.
She’s a Maryland artist specializing in nature and animals. And loves to work in several mediums including painting, drawing, digital, and photography.
She graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, and has two Bachelor degree's. One degree is in Art Studio and the other is in Accounting.
Today, she can be found painting, drawing, photographing, or working digitally on the computer, as well as, teaching ballet at the National Ballet Institute for the Arts or leading art programs at The Creative and Performing Arts of South County, which she founded in January 2014.
She can also be found enjoying the homeschool life with her two children, Autumn and Finn.
Here’s Kimmary talking about her art, process and experience………..
When did you realize you were an artist? Art has always been a part of my life. I remember one day wishing I was an artist and suddenly realizing “I am an artist”. I had always been an artist, but I didn’t realize that I had the label until I was in my early 30’s, it just hit me one day.
How did you get into your art/side-gig? I was born into a family of artists, my grandmother founded Helen Moore’s school of dance in 1948, which later became National Ballet Institute for the Arts. My mom, Pamela Moore, is the current director. They were my first ballet teachers and encouraged me in my other artistic endeavors. While other kids wanted to visit friends and go to the movies I will spend the day in my room painting or drawing or carry my paints outdoors.
When I first attended college it was as a music major (clarinet and piano) and soon decided to major in accounting. About a year and a half into my degree I said “what am I doing?? I love art!” In the ended I received Bachelor degrees in both Accounting and Art Studio, while simultaneously achieving certifications as a teacher in the Cecchetti Method of Ballet. While studying I was already teaching ballet, I had my artwork on online platforms such as Art.com and Imagekind.com, but I did not try to exhibit any of my artwork until about 2008/2009. At this time I joined the Muddy Creek Artists Guild. Soon I was exhibiting with MCAG, Bowie Arts Committee, Montpelier Mansion, PG Parks and Recreation, Annmarie Gardens, Chesapeake Arts Center, Annapolis Arts Alliance and most recently Maryland Federation of Art. I also exhibit my art at The Creative and Performing Arts of South County.
Recently, I have started to explore Outschool as a teaching platform. It has been a fantastic experience sharing visual art and ballet with students around the world. It has helped me to grow as an artist for my students, both virtual and non virtual, and personally.
My art, my life, is constantly evolving, growing, building, changing. I am always ready for the next thing and that does not mean leaving behind the current “thing”.
What are you currently working on? I am currently working on several artistic projects. Last year’s solo show at Patuxent Wildlife Refuge was postponed to June 2021, I am making display decisions. I am working on a painting that focuses on the connection of the world, all continents, all seas, all people being connected. I enjoy experimentation with a variety of media and techniques, I have been trying new pour painting techniques. I have many many photo’s to look through and send to shows, exhibits, and the internet. And already I have a million ideas for new paintings, the latest based on some fun drawings that I have created while teaching some basic drawing classes.
What food, drink, song inspires you? I LOVE music. Can I pick one song? Or one time of music? Nope, I cannot. Some of my favorite musical artists include Flogging Molly, Caravan Palace, Louis Armstrong, The Archies, Pantera, Sepultura, Paul Simon, Etta Fitzgerald, The Beatles, Operation Ivy, Violent Femmes, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Shaggy, Buju Bonton, Gorillaz, Bob Marley, The Streets, Leftover Crack.This list could go on forever. I like to mix all of it together for a good variety. Music motivates me in all aspects of life.
What memorable responses have you had to your work? I cannot think of a memorable response, but I can say that my favorite responses to my work are those that occur when the viewer does not know that I am the artist or does not know that I am nearby. I love the genuine feelings.
What’s your favorite quote? “Live life to the point of tears.” by Albert Camus
What role does the artist have in society? The artist has many roles in society. The artist can affect mood, the artist can show perspective. The artist can record history, and the artist can help to change history. The artist can bring peace, and the artist can be disturbing.
What’s your dream job? I love art, I love music, I love ballet, I love nature, and I love my children. I do not divide my job and my life. Any life I have that includes all of the above, is my dream come true.
Is there any artists that Inspires you? If so, who and why? I have met and loved many artists and their artwork over the years, but at the moment it is past artists who are inspiring me. I have been revisiting the biographies of Henri Rousseau, Katsushika Hokusai, Grandma Moses, Georges Seurat, Vincent Van Gogh, and many others. Their lives are really inspiring me these days.
Why art? Art is a part of me. I feel it in my heart. There is something inside of me that I want to convey to the world, or to free from myself. And with each creation I feel a sense of release, a strong emotion that could be overwhelming, but is instead stabilizing.
For more information on Kimmary and her amazing artwork, check her out on Instagram and facebook or her website at www.KimmaryiMacLean.me .
