Kim: Preservice Artist Educator

I haven't known Kim for very long, but I have a strong sense of who she is as a woman. She is at at point in her life where she is figuring out who she wants to be. In a phase of transition and change, she is seriously contemplating who she wants to become. Kim has very broad interests; art, sports, and music. She appreciates material things but also has a great appreciation for nature, which keeps her balanced. In her opinion, these are the things that make her unique.

Kim doesn't feel limited by any of the titles that describe her because she has defied/ broken so many of them. As an illustration of this, she shares that she was an artist at a design firm and then decided that art education was a more desirable field. She is a non-traditional student and I think she embraces that idea. Her titles do not restrict her because she can break right through them.

I love Kim's outlook on what will make her a great art educator. She believes that everyone has potential but they need help reaching that potential. She enjoys the diversity in the learning styles of students, and is comforted by the knowledge that an educator can truly make a difference.

In terms of success as a professional artist, Kim has a unique perspective due to her work experiences. In terms of graphic design, she has the skills to interpret what people want. She makes the effort to understand the client and translate their ideas into the work. This is a huge consideration in the life of an artist who is looking to make a living from their work. I think Kim is the first artist educator who has answered this question in this way. She's turned the tables, and I find it intriguing.

When asked what makes Kim a great woman, she shared that she just does her own thing. "I don't depend on anyone to to anything for me."

Kim donated a beautiful collections of papers with a variety of textures, patterns, and colors. She also shared some photographs of her digital work as well as paintings. Her contribution of black glitter (which is pretty amazing) did drive the tone of her portrait to a large extent.