Kim Kei, a local artist based in Los Angeles, recently spoke to students regarding not only her solo exhibition gallery on campus, but also lectured about her various techniques, her artistic experiences, and some tips for art students.
Erika Lizee, the Art Gallery Director for Moorpark College, first saw Kei’s pieces in Culver City, CA. She mentioned when first seeing Kei’s work, she was a very “process oriented artist.” Lizee then invited Kei her to showcase her work in an art gallery on campus.
Kei’s method of painting is unique and the results are very abstract, wispy, and take on an unfamiliar presence when complete. She uses a water media-oil technique with both ink and acrylic paints on paper and canvas.
Kei first discovered this sort of approach back when she was in college at the San Francisco Art Institute. Her first painting was on a big table cloth that ended up getting a horrible review from her professor. She was so disappointed that she came home, threw the artwork in the sink, and noticed something incredible. All the colors of paint on the cloth mixed with the water in the sink, causing the oils to separate. This sight stamped an artistic impression in Kei’s mind and from then on, she knew she wanted to recreate the look the table cloth gave.
The technique of staining and having the ink absorb directly into the paper is a style Kei is very proud of.
“I work very loosely,” said Kei. “I’m like a shepherd when working at the first stage because I’m guiding the media through its gears of play. The elements of risk and prediction [that the oils have when sinking into the paper] is what gets me excited when working with media.”
Kei’s paintings, sculptures, and photography pieces reach their full potential through a long process. To begin with, Kei uses a combination of sewing, gluing, pulling things apart, and putting objects together to start off with a base piece.
Her studio is filled from wall to wall with interesting things like: driftwood, sea shells, feathers, worn and distressed cloths, antique articles of clothing, and lots of other quirky, everyday items.
“I work a lot with objects and fabrics,” said Kei. “I use those objects in the studio to paint with, and to create many sculptures and photos.”
Kei also offered some words of wisdom for future art students to improve their works and to think with an out-of-the-box mentality.
“It’s a good technique to learn restraint when working,” stated Kei. “Take a step back to realize what the central figure [of your piece] will be.”
The title of the series that was displayed in the Administration building was “Mimesis” which translates to imitating or mimicking nature or some type of movements. Kei is most inspired by dance and the beauty of movement and fluidness it projects to the audience.
Mojgan Shajarian, a 45 year-old art major, focusing on figure painting, visited the exhibit and was captivated by the talent Kei displayed.
“It’s wonderful. I can’t guess what technique she uses because it’s very interesting and I’ve never seen anything like it before,” said Shajarian. “I like the shadow and light in her artwork and the harmony of color she uses and blends together.”
Peggy Kinney, a staff member who works at the information window, in the mail room, and operates the switch board in the Administration building, got to see the exhibit first hand every day.
“Students, staff, and faculty do look forward to when new things come and get displayed,” said Kinney. “They are constantly changing out the art but this gallery has some really interesting paintings.”
Kinney continued to say that she hears comments every day about how unique and different Kei’s paintings are. She even had the opportunity to chat with Kei to tell her in-person how much students enjoy the exhibit.
Kei’s exhibition was held in the Administration building from Jan. 28- Feb. 23. For more information about the artist and her variety of pieces, visit http://www.kim-kei.com
