We had the good fortune of connecting with Kim Kyne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
I was in the Heaven by Marc Jacobs store on Fairfax and there was a stack of papers with stylized text on them. I took one and taped it to my bedroom wall. It reads:

“Always be yourself. Never try to hide who you are. The only shame is to have shame. Always stand up for what you believe in. Always question what other people tell you. Never regret the past, it’s a waste of time. There’s a reason for everything: every mistake, every moment of weakness, every terrible thing that has happened to you. Grow from it. The only way you can ever get the respect of others is when you show them that you respect yourself. Most importantly, do your thing and never apologize for being you. – Wings of encouragement.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Clay’s tendency toward the naive continues to shape my artistic practice. My work is intentionally saccharine in order to mediate the bitterness of daily life with the joy (and potential shock) of self-exploration. In Trash Cowgirl, a pair of confident legs wearing cowboy boots and a lumpy hand holding a lit cigarette languish over the edge of a metallic waste bin. The piece is finished with a cartoonish banana peel that hugs the base. While funny at first sight, the piece belies a darker implication. I find candy coated armor a preferable form of protection.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely recommend they visit Guerrero Gallery. They consistently feature talented artists and I always enjoy discovering new work there. For food, Pizza Mayven on La Brea avenue is amazing. They sell by the slice and it’s very homey.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to use this moment to thank CLAYDD Collective, The Infinite School, and Guerrero Gallery. They have all been instrumental in my growth as an artist ❤️

Website: https://www.kimkyne.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimkyne/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkyne/

Image Credits
Images courtesy of Jose Sanchez, Erin Kalousdian and Jeff Robins.

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