Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly J. Chapman. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kimberly, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
As a narrative artist, I find it my purpose to tell stories of “what women endure.” Unfortunately, it’s an endless litany. My goal is to shed light on dark topics and to remind viewers that silence is soundtrack of oppression. My porcelain sculptures address the exploitation of women, including issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, shaming, the mental asylum experience and circus side-show attractions. Some of my newest sculptures center on reproductive freedom and use the recent Supreme Court decisions as a call to action. I really didn’t plan on making these sculptures – in a sense – they made themselves. It’s important to keep women’s history top of mind. So many of my shows are in venues that afford me the chance to tell the backstory of the topics listed above. In museum and university galleries I share the history and the voices of women and their experiences.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
With an undergraduate and graduate degree in marketing and over 30 years in the field, I returned to school, the Cleveland Institute of Art, to obtain a fine arts degree in ceramics. I can’t tell you what a thrill it was to learn from such exceptional instructors as well as my brilliant (and very young and energetic) fellow students. My marketing skills have come in handy as I make introductions and schedule exhibitions. CIA gave me the tools and confidence that allow me to join the ranks of feminist artists who have stepped beyond their comfort zone and used their art to amplify women’s issues. And speaking of history, I love the idea that I use the same treasured material (porcelain) that emperors and kings demanded for palace adornment to tell today’s stories of injustice.
I admit I have a porcelain obsession. The material is absolutely ethereal. It actually glows in the light, sometimes with a hint of transparency. Due to the natural beauty of the clay’s whiteness, I hesitate to add color to my sculptures. Touches of shiny clear glaze, luster or oxide wash are used sparingly. Some surfaces are stretched, cracked and purposefully misshaped for an otherworldly aesthetic. Others mimic indulgent cake frosting. This material is purposely chosen because it stands the test of time and my stories need to be told long after I’m gone.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back at my marketing and art careers, I’m sure I would not have succeeded without three main qualities: perseverance, optimism and curiosity. If your 18-years old or 80, this is what will get you out of bed in the morning and ensure a successful day. It will make your life rich.
Perseverance is optimal. Without it, I would not have succeeded in school, my marketing career and as an artist. There are so many people smarter, more talent and experience than me but they may not have the perseverance that I have. And I mean day in and day out. When I hear the world “no” I get especially geared up and go to just about any extreme to turn it into a “yes.” With perseverance comes creativity and hard work. And in my book, nothing comes easy. If you really want something, you have to be consistent about giving it your all. Otherwise, it just won’t happen.
Optimism allows you to suspend belief that the most difficult things are achievable. Without it, I would never have had the confidence to move forward. You have to believe in yourself and realize that the world is your oyster. Anything is possible. Without a strong sense of confidence, it’s hard to make anything worthwhile happen.
Curiosity may have killed the cat but it’s my main driver as an artist. I’m curious about everything but especially what women have endured through the ages and what they continue to experience today. Curiosity is what leads me to deep dive research before I start a new collection. It’s what drives me to learn. The learning aspect of my research allows me to explore a topic from many angles. It helps distinguish between what is true and what is false. It gives me the confidence to stand before a hundred people and talk about my art. It’s what makes you an expert of sorts.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was simply being my parents. My mother was a strong woman who had a professional career when most of my friend’s moms did not. I watched her (without a college education) take on strong positions with vigor. And, she knew how to balance her family and work life. It was my mom who gave me the confidence to interview for jobs that I felt were over my head. It was she who made me the person I am today. I never doubted for a minute that I wouldn’t have my own family and career. She was so amazing, I miss her everyday. My father was equally influential. He attended the Cleveland Institute of Art on the GI Bill after World War II. His education was a main point of pride for him. He became a successful commercial artist working for large corporations. Dad was always painting, drawing and building at home. I watched him with great interest. Because of my father I too became an artist – attending the same school as he did. I could feel his presence in the hallways of that school. I was so fortunate to have had both of them guiding and nurturing me. They were everything to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: kimberlychapmansculptor.com
- Instagram: @kimberlychapmansculptor
Image Credits
Photo of artist: please credit: Michael C. Butz Photos of artwork: Provided by the artist
