Born in Aruba and raised in the Netherlands, Kim discovered her passion for art from an early age. "Despite being very shy, art was my natural way of expressing myself," Kim shares.
The influence of her childhood, combined with her deep love for her native island, inspired her to pursue a creative path where she explores her identity and expresses the richness of her Aruban heritage, making Kim a true VOICE OF OUR LAND.
At 15, she painted her first acrylic painting. From her adolescence, Kim experimented with various art styles, including pop art and abstract art, but always returned to the colorful and expressive characters that characterize her "I am" series. These early experiments have influenced her current work, where she uses mixed media to create images that capture the vibrant spirit of Aruba and its people. "I think these characters can be considered my muses," Kim reflects.
"I grew up in the Netherlands and missed Aruba so much. I never felt at home in the Netherlands. I liked the Netherlands in the summer, but for me, the rest of the year was very gray and depressing while my art is the complete opposite. My art has always been very colorful, I guess it was my way of escaping the gray surroundings around me." Additionally, Kim connects her artwork with poetic quotes or a song and lets them intertwine. "I also love traveling and getting to know different cultures. I incorporate a lot of my travel experiences into my art."
"I worked for a Telecommunications company as an account manager for 9 years. I liked my job but felt I wasn't living up to my maximum potential. Also, I couldn't combine both. I am grateful for this life and like to spend my time doing things I love. So, at 33, I left everything to pursue this dream. I sold my house, car, and quit my job. It wasn't and still isn't easy, but it has been the best decision of my life. I worked in Amsterdam as an artist for a year and then traveled in Asia for 3 years, bartering for free accommodation and food.
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Writing is a medium of communication that representsanguage ough the inscription of signs and symbols.
Back in Aruba for the past 5 years, Kim sees progress and challenges in Aruba's art scene. "The problem initially was that there weren't many galleries to expose or sell your artworks. But thankfully, more and more galleries and shops have started to sell art, which is very positive. An existing challenge is that materials are very expensive and limited. Also, exporting larger art pieces is very costly." Kim acknowledges a growing interaction with tourists who want originally Aruban art. "For example, the mural tour in San Nicolas is a great visual feast for locals and tourists. It gives international and local artists a chance to express themselves and have their work noticed. My personal sales fluctuate monthly. Art is not a necessity for people, so if there's a pandemic or problems in the world, an artist will immediately notice it in their income.
With the opening of her own art studio in San Nicolas, Kim has realized a significant dream in her career. "I am sure I will flourish, and my work will evolve and improve with my current surroundings. Her best advice for aspiring artists; Believe in yourself and don't let any external noise get into your mind. At the start of my own art journey, I did not receive much support from those around me. There is a big stigma around the starving artist. Find your own voice and your own style by trying different art styles. Just keep moving forward, plant the seeds and one day you will harvest. Success isn't achieved in a day. Everyone who has decided to follow their passion has faced many rejections. This is only a blessing because one day you will be thankful for the fruits of your labor."
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