Do you like painting and art? Say hello to Kimberly McGuiness. Here is the interview we had with her. Make sure you check out the pictures of her amazing work too.
Candie and Michelle: Tell us a little about yourself.
Kimberly McGuiness: I'm a risk-taker at heart and thrive when challenged. I'm an activist for deaf and hard of hearing citizens and believe in making a difference in the world and in people lives. I'm a carefree spirit which becomes easily bored when the lack of adventure is not present and I always stand tall and proud for what I believe, even if I'm the only one standing.
I'm 1 of 13 recipients in The United States who received the Presidential Citizenship Medal in August 2010. The 2nd highest honor/medal bestowed to a United States Citizen by the President. My fellow peers and I made history as the 13 of us became the first group of everyday citizens to receive such an honor from 6,000 nominations. In the past, this medal was usually reserved for those who were already famous.
My goals are helping to improve the quality of life for others, financial freedom, and giving back to communities, through my art and creative imagination.
I have the discipline for achievement, the passion to take on the world and make a difference, the willingness to tackle a new challenge, the optimism for positive affirmation, self -esteem and confidence.
Candie and Michelle: Congrats on your award! We feel proud to know you. Did you go to school for art?
Kimberly McGuiness: No, I’m in the group of self-taught artists and my inspiration can come from anywhere at any time. I often experiment with my own inventive processes, while often creating pieces using whatever happens to inspire me at the time, transcending a notion into a unique piece of work.
Candie and Michelle: You are really talented. Have you always liked art and been naturally talented and creative? How long have you been doing it?
Kimberly McGuiness: I have always been a creative spirit my whole life but my true love has been for my art since I was in elementary school. My artwork received a Certificate of Achievement from the Florida Winter Park Arts Festival in 1976-1977. I went through the grades exploring art and developing my creativity through my high school graduation.
My life took a different turn when I was blessed with my daughter Julia in 1988. She is a ray of sunshine surrounded by an infectious loving spirit who is living with deaf autism. After her birth my art was on hold for many years until 2008 when I started back with my journaling which then lead me to where I am today with my work.
Candie and Michelle: You are truly an inspiring person. :) What things inspire you to make a certain piece of art?
Kimberly McGuiness: My creations are contemplative moments in my mind, where vision and energy masterfully undergo a metamorphosis. Patterns and textures from nature and cultures around the world and my own imagination are my greatest influences. Fine lined pens, paper tiles, art canvases, wood, paint, recycled materials and the computer are among my favorite tools in giving my creations life.
Candie and Michelle: :) What was the most challenging piece of art you have ever made?
Kimberly McGuiness: A 23x48 mixed media piece on underlayment, inspired by Van Gogh. It has been my biggest piece thus far. It is a country scene with about 30 layers of paint in the background before building the final top layers. I call it ‘Country Stars’. The piece took about 3 weeks to complete and this is also my favorite piece. I have it above my fire place.
Candie and Michelle: Wow! That sounds amazing! I hope to see it one day. Tell us about being part of the Rome Community Heart Project.
Kimberly McGuiness: This is the second year in a row my design has been chosen for the project. For me it is a great honor to be able to contribute to a great cause for awareness about health in a fun way. The project has a great group of local artists who put their own unique talent of work on hearts made of foam and covered in a thin layer of concrete. The concrete helps them to stand the elements of weather during the month of February when they will be on display around the community helping to raise awareness for heart health. Its fun and I enjoy the project and being selected as part of the group and not to mention the exposure for my work, every little bit helps.
Candie and Michelle: Great job on being chosen! Can't wait to see the hearts around Rome. What advice do you have for other aspiring artists?
Kimberly McGuiness: Be open to learning and sharing new things. Connect with others artists and don’t be afraid to ask questions we really are here to help each other. Get your hands dirty in it, sling the paint, enjoy the process and have Fun!
That is great advice! Thank you so much Kimberly for taking the time to sit down with us!
-Candie and Michelle
Make sure you check out pictures of Kimberly's work below. You can find Kimberly at the following links:
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/KimberlyMcGuinessArt/
Website:
http://www.kimberlymcguiness.com/
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