Spartanburg artist Kimberly Christopher has returned to painting after 16 years in other media in her exploration of pain and comfort. Her latest works will be exhibited in “Patterns of Healing: Exploring the Duality of Pain and Comfort in Walking Through Healing” Dec. 2 through 27 in Gallery II of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg.
An artist’s reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, as part of Spartanburg ArtWalk. The reception and exhibition viewing are free and open to the public. The 20 pieces in the show will be offered for purchase with prices ranging from $80 to $7,450.
“This exhibition full of a melody of colors, patterns, word mediations and symbols represents a hope for people on their own healing journey and a deeper and more truthful understanding of the duality of healing for everyone else,” says Christopher, adding that the works also represent her own “healing journey through a dark and traumatic season.”
“It’s a survey of the healing experience in visual form, showing that healing is both a crucible of extreme pain and yet the cleansing process holds great rewards and comforts along the way,” she adds. “There is a level of beauty and appreciation open to everyone in this show whether you are an art novice or a long-time art lover.”
Christopher says the works in the exhibit represent a departure from her typical works. “I am returning to painting after 16 years working in other media – mainly printmaking, drawing, installation, photography and sculpture in more recent years. Through it, I am exploring themes of exploration and freedom (nautical), home and safety (textiles and spirituality), rejuvenation and rest and destruction (nature), curiosity and meditations (the body and text/calligraphy). I hope to speak beauty, rest and safety into the world while also being truthful about darkness and those in the world who embrace it.”
An artist for 18 years, Christopher says, “Like a foggy morning spent exploring nature, my work aims to bring mystery, contemplation and quiet delight with an elusive simplicity that offers both serenity and a portal of curiosity. My art explores the play between abstraction and realism, and I enjoy blurring the line of where they meet. I value the timelessness of black and white yet equally look to harness the beauty and expression of color. My inspiration rises from the natural world, language and literature, the body, spirituality and religion, and the rich heritage of artists and creators who came before me.”
She grew up exploring the woods of the Spartanburg area, finding a love for art, nature and learning at an early age and pursuing art throughout graduate school. She went on to study a breadth of disciplines including ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, art history, gallery studies and digital art at Clemson University before concentrating in printmaking to complete her BFA in studio art with honors. Her current practice focuses on printmaking, installation, drawing, painting, photography and sculpture with a keen interest in art history and the dream of sharing her love of the arts with others.”
A member of the Artists Collective | Spartanburg for three years, Christopher says, “I enjoy the challenge and unique opportunity to have regular solo shows awarded at the Artist Collective | Spartanburg. I’m proud to call ACS my art home. It is a vibrant community of local artists that is a true gem in the community. Run by artists, for artists, and flows out of a love for the arts and our greater Spartanburg community.”