We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kimberly Daniel. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kimberly, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: When was the last time you felt true joy?
My heart fills with joy whenever I see any of my children and grandchildren. It’s a rare occasion to have them all gathered in one place. I have four children and nine grandchildren. I genuinely want to cherish the moments when they are all at my home. If I could freeze time, I would choose to remain there for a while and fully absorb the experience. As we grow older, we realize how quickly time flies, so I aim to treasure those moments with my grandchildren and keep them in my heart forever. Regarding my art, I have traveled and participated in numerous shows, such as the Artist on Location event in Knoxville, where you spend a week painting and then showcase all your creations at a gala on Saturday night. Three years ago, during my first Knoxville show, every piece of my work (12) sold, and I felt immense gratitude and fulfillment. It was astonishing to see so many people appreciate my art and to sell everything I painted felt like a trifecta of success; it was an incredible sensation. My daughter gifted me a special necklace to commemorate that moment, which I will always remember because it was so impactful. As an artist, it validated all the struggles I had faced up to that point, and it was met with an overwhelming flood of joyful tears.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My journey has evolved from being an art educator for thirty years to a professional artist on a quest to discover my true path. For so many years, I taught others about renowned artists and the art of being an artist, neglecting to give my own craft the attention it deserved. Now, later in life, I have finally begun to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a genuine artist. A significant part of this journey involves uncovering my inner voice, which I have certainly kept hidden. By focusing on my skills, I have been striving to create realistic art of subjects that intrigue me, seeking beauty in ordinary things. There is a deeper essence within me; I just haven’t fully released myself enough to uncover it. At this stage, my journey has led me to outdoor painting and live wedding painting. You can often find me at plein air events, competing for awards and selling my artwork. Many weekends are filled with live wedding painting jobs that allow me to travel and capture the beauty of special occasions.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I come from a childhood filled with trauma. Part of my journey to self-discovery involves healing from that. Art has always been my refuge. It served as my sanctuary, a space where I could escape and forget about the unpleasant aspects of my life. My creativity was my own, something that no one could take away from me. As a child, I felt invisible. I was often reminded that children should remain silent. My voice was suppressed for many years, and I lost hope. Now, I have liberated myself from most of that pain and strive to embrace each moment of creation and live the life I always envisioned as a little girl. I am now free to create and reveal my true self to the world.
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Losing track of time while drawing or coloring for hours was a common experience for me. From a young age, drawing became my sanctuary. During the darker moments of my life, when I felt the need to retreat, my sketchpad served as a haven where I could escape for a bit.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Most definitely my daughter. I have seen her navigate through some dark times, and she has emerged stronger than ever. Witnessing her conquer pain and adversity in ways I never could has been inspiring. She firmly upholds her values and insists that others respect her boundaries. Establishing boundaries is something I never learned while growing up. Watching her become the woman I aspire to be has been incredibly enlightening for me. She has made me aware of all my shortcomings in life, but she has also shown me how to rise above many challenges from my past. I am immensely proud of her and the resilient mother she has become today.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
On many days when I head to a plein air event or to paint a wedding, I take a moment to remind myself of my gratitude. I often repeat this to myself: “Today, I have the opportunity to do what I love, what I’ve always dreamed of doing, and now it’s finally here… so let’s enjoy today!” I carry a thankful heart for the gift from God that ignites my desire to create and my passion for painting. This is one of my most significant purposes in life, and I feel incredibly thankful that I can pursue it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimberlydanielart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberlydanielart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlydanielart/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kimberly-daniel-art-dickson?
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kdaniel62
