Featured Artist Kimberly Mehler
Interview by Michelle Ciarlo Hayes
As one of the most fearless travelers among our members, there aren’t many places in this world that Kimberly Mehler hasn’t seen. Combine her love of exploration with a passion for science and the natural world, and you have an artist who creates the beautiful work only Kim could produce.
We sat down together at our local Creekside Co-op to have coffee and play a bit of art-related word association so I could learn more about her creativity and inspiration.
Enjoy!
-Michelle Ciarlo-Hayes
Q: Favorite light?
A: Late afternoon!
Q: Most beautiful body of water you’ve ever seen or been in?
A: Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef.
Q: Sunrise or sunset?
A: Sunset.
Q: Capturing images to paint later: sketch or photograph?
A: Photograph, but only because it is so much faster. I do find myself constantly “tracing” objects with my eyes, figuring out how I’ll draw the shapes when I get home. I really do need to carry a sketch book around with me!
Q: Favorite season?
A: Autumn, absolutely.
Q: First love: watercolor, oils, or acrylics?
A: Watercolors.
Q: Studio: tidy or messy?
A: ‘Neat enough,’ because I don’t really have a dedicated studio and I work wherever I can. It is indeed possible to do that if you are so inclined!
Q: Favorite mural that you’ve painted?
A: The library at McKinley Elementary School in Abington. It’s more of a conceptual piece than illustrative, and I was very pleased with the way it turned out. I chose words relating to every subject, so that each student would feel that they had a special place in school no matter where their interest may lie or what their favorite subject is.
