Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberlee Koym Murteira. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kimberlee, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Growing up on my family’s land near Austin, Texas, I developed a profound appreciation for nature and a strong aspiration to promote harmony. A troubled childhood instilled in me the value of daily routines such as walking, cooking, cleaning, dancing, and creating art. Coming from a family with contrasting backgrounds — my father served with the Peace Corps while my mother is devoutly religious and an enthusiastic supporter of Trump — it was against the backdrop of extreme conservatism in Texas that my own beliefs took shape. I had a drive to create with my hands and a passion for transformation. Through engaging in physical activities, we not only establish a connection with our bodies and the natural world but also find opportunities to connect with others and foster community ties.
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?
I’m an interdisciplinary artist who specializes in various mediums such as photography, video, sculpture, and social engagement. My work revolves around exploring themes of ecology, gender, and embodiment. Through my creative process, I aim to delve into the intricate and multifaceted aspects of our physical selves and our relationship with the natural world. I utilize a wide range of materials, ranging from 360 photography to plaster bodying casts, to express these ideas. In light of the current global upheaval, I am deeply committed to acknowledging and celebrating both individuals and the environment that shape their identities, values, and interconnectedness. I strive to bring greater reverence to people and the locations that hold significance in their lives.
Within the series titled “Vanishing Sanctuary,” I have included a collection of images that pay homage to the land where I spent my formative years. These still photographs were extracted from videos as a means of honoring the place. The landscapes depicted capture the essence of Texas, including my family’s ranch, which is currently facing encroachment by a quarry.
Through this body of work, I hope to raise awareness about the fragility of our natural surroundings and inspire a sense of preservation for the sanctuaries that hold personal and collective significance.
As a child, I spent many holidays and summers on this land, which provides solace and inspiration for my creative endeavors. It is disheartening to witness the transformation of this cherished childhood space, now being replaced by a noisy quarry that is turning the once-tranquil area into an unrecognizable terrain similar to the moon. The combination of the land’s natural beauty, my family’s care, and the act of creating in nature has had a deeply transformative effect on my life.
Connecting with the wilderness is crucial for me to tap into my inner strength and recognize my place in nature. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose this connection. That’s why I actively seek simplicity in objects and experiences to find beauty and restore my reverence for the natural world.
Reconnecting with nature and finding solace in its beauty is known as eco-therapy. The goal is to foster tranquility, appreciation for nature, and a deeper connection with oneself and surroundings. My own childhood experiences lead me to offer tailor-made eco-therapy sessions for women and the queer community, preserving these transformative experiences. Participants can use my 360 camera to capture themselves in nature, and I edit their self-portraits into personalized depictions. This aims to empower individuals and promote healing through artistic expression and social interaction.
These self-portraits not only serve as mementos of the profound freedom and sense of belonging experienced by the participants, but also act as a means of sharing their stories with others. If you are interested in showing this work or becoming involved in or supporting this project, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kimberlee on Instagram @kimberleekm, sign up for my mailing list on website at https://kimberleekm.com/
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Mastering the art of pacing yourself in the scorching TEXAS HEAT is crucial. There is so much in our contemporary lives demanding our attention and energy. I continue to cultivate how best to preserve and nurture my energy. My Uncle imparted to me the importance of finding joy in the little things and cherishing the moments. He taught me the value of hard work and also the need to take time to relax and enjoy life.
As we rode horses through the pasture, I could feel the sweat trickling down my back. The silence was interrupted only by the occasional sound of twigs snapping as I brushed against a branch, causing time to slow down. Our main concern was making it back indoors before the blazing noon sun reached its peak, so we could grab a bite to eat. Afterward, we would either engage in playful splashes in the swimming pool or take a refreshing dip in the river. Submerged in the water, I would marvel at the way the light played on its surface, creating mesmerizing ripples. These shimmering reflections became a symbol of freedom for me. The time spent on that land evoked a deep sense of security, care, and the freedom to experience pure happiness and joy. This feeling is often captured in my photographs, and the connection between freedom and water continues to inspire me both visually and emotionally.
This idyllic experience in the pasture was a stark contrast to the chaotic atmosphere of my suburban home, where I divided my time between my parents’ separate households. Both environments were constantly filled with tension and disagreements, making it difficult to find peace and contentment. However, the memories of those peaceful moments in the pasture served as a reminder that there is beauty and tranquility to be found even in the midst of chaos.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Other parts of my week during my summer were spent “in town” – the then small town of Georgetown, Texas, assisting my grandmother around her house. In her garden we would collaborate on planting and harvesting various crops, as well as rearranging potted plants to ensure they received optimal sunlight. She was always active, puttering, caring for one living creature or another. She, my grandfather, my Aunt and my Uncle all taught me about the value of being connected both to the natural world and of moving through the world with care, humor, and compassion. Those lessons continue to inform my life and art practice.
Walking in the forest returns me to the pasture. I love the gentle movement there, me moving through on the path. My dog with me bounding through branches, spurts of joyful leaping. I collect mugwort when it is in season. I close my eyes, listen to the birdsong and can transport from Berkeley to Texas in a blink.
Being surrounded by the beauty of nature, evokes a deep sense of tranquility within me. The fragrant aromas, lush foliage, and the gentle way sunlight filters through the trees create an immersive experience that transports me to a place of serenity. These natural havens, these sanctuaries, hold immense significance in my life as they provide a reset.
When I capture these moments through photography, there is a fairytale-like quality that emerges from the aerial perspective. The landscapes take on an almost mythical aura, symbolizing the transformative power they have had on me as a child. In my work, I often utilize circular frames. These frames symbolize the portals through which I moved as a child. They were my escape from the horrors of dysfunction and into the peaceful rhythm of normalcy, kindness, and love. Nature holds a space for us all to step into a vastness that supports life at a different pace with values aligned to the needs of our body rather than our pocket books. It has become a ritual for me to immerse myself in the natural world as frequently as possible, seeking solace and rejuvenation from the demands of daily life. The contrasts between my current home and the forest may be smaller than in my childhood. My home is a calm sanctuary filled with light, comfort, and joy. However, I continue to crave the untamed wilderness of the outdoors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kimberleekm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberleekm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimberleeKM
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberleekoym/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberleekm
- Other: https://vimeo.com/kimberleekm
Image Credits
All Images are property of and copyrighted to the artist, Kimberlee Koym-Murteira.
