Meet Kimie Joe | Artist and Gallery Owner

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

Hi Kimie, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
The Gallery of Hermosa is more than a coastal art destination—it is a vibrant cultural hub that fosters connection, creativity, and community both locally and globally. Rooted in the heart of downtown Hermosa Beach, the gallery provides an inclusive platform for emerging and established artists to share their voices, stories, and perspectives through diverse mediums including painting, ceramics, sculpture, and mixed media.

Locally, the Gallery of Hermosa has become an inviting gathering place for artists, collectors, and community members. Through rotating exhibits, artist talks, interactive workshops, and collaborative events, the gallery nurtures dialogue around artistic expression and accessibility. It supports local talent by offering exhibition space and opportunities for artists to connect with patrons and art lovers.

Globally, the gallery’s influence extends through curated and juried exhibitions that spotlight cultural narratives, highlight diverse voices, and invite global artists to showcase their work.The Gallery of Hermosa builds bridges celebrating the universality of art. The gallery helps foster mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and a shared commitment to creativity. The Gallery of Hermosa stands as a beacon for art where community, culture, and compassion converge.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Thank you for asking—I’m always happy to share a bit about the heart behind my work. My art is rooted in a blend of opposites: precision and intuition, structure and spontaneity. I incorporate materials like handmade ceramic tiles, epoxy resin, oil paints, and woven papers to create layered, tactile pieces that tell a story. Each material carries its own energy—earthy, fluid, strong—and I love finding harmony between them. I think that mix really reflects my background, I worked as a chemical and visualization engineer, including time on the International Space Station program and with Northrop Grumman. That experience shows up in how I approach problem-solving in the studio—I love experimenting, building, and pushing the limits of traditional media.

What sets my work apart, I think, is how it bridges the technical with the emotional. My pieces aren’t just visual—they’re dimensional, textural, and often quite personal. Many of them are tied to themes of memory, place, or the natural world. I find beauty in imperfection and surprise, and I try to let that show in the work.

Getting to where I am today has been a continuous, exciting process. I’ve always painted and created, and over time, my work has just kept evolving. I’ve never stopped growing, experimenting, and pushing myself in new directions. I love bringing in new ideas, new materials, and learning new processes. It’s been an incredible journey of self-discovery, and opening the Gallery of Hermosa has become a space not just for my work but for others to share their creativity too. Each step has been a learning experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep evolving as both an artist and a gallery that is a space not just for my work, but for community, conversation, and connection.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from showing up, being open, and being willing to evolve.

What I want the world to know about me and my story is that while I love tradition, I don’t necessarily follow tradition—I like to explore things in my own way, without being confined by convention. As an engineer, I had to think creatively, and I carry that same mindset into some of my art. I believe creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to step beyond the boundaries we set for ourselves.

At the same time, my art is deeply personal and heartfelt. I tie in emotions and narratives about life journeys, exploring the beauty and complexity of human experience. I want my work to evoke emotion and make people reflect on their own paths. Every layer, every material I use is a part of a larger story—one that resonates on a deeper, more emotional level. Even in my personal life, I’ve embraced the unconventional. My wedding, for example, was anything but traditional—we had an underwater ceremony, with our guests watching from a glass-bottom boat! That spirit of exploring new paths, of challenging norms, shows up in my work and my brand. It’s about breaking free, experimenting, and embracing the unexpected, while also grounding it in the emotions and stories that connect us too.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, we’d stay at the Beach House in Hermosa Beach to soak in those ocean views and beach town vibes. Mornings would start with a walk along The Strand, maybe a little beach tennis, then brunch somewhere casual and sunny on Pier Avenue. Of course, we’d swing by The Gallery of Hermosa to see some inspiring local art and connect with the creative energy here.

We’d hop on bikes and ride along the coast, stopping wherever the moment takes us. One day we’d head up to Venice to stroll around Abbot Kinney—always fun for people-watching, art, and design. Another day we’d explore Culver City’s art scene, and maybe spend some time wandering the market in downtown LA, just soaking in the colors, textures, and creativity of the city.

The week would be a mix of beachy relaxation and urban inspiration—art, nature, good food, and great company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people I’d love to shout out, because this journey hasn’t been a solo one. First and foremost, I have to thank my family. They’ve supported me through every late night in the studio, every wild idea, every opening night. Their love and patience have been everything. Not only that, my husband, Ben tirelessly helps operate the gallery – from hanging paintings, creating flyers, marketing events and all the things in between, I’m so grateful for his support and encouragement!

A huge shoutout also goes to Kevin Cody and Bondo Wyszpolski from the Easy Reader. Kevin gave me the opportunity to start hosting art shows at the Easy Reader which helped build my confidence to open the Gallery of Hermosa. Bondo and Kevin have been wonderful supporters—helping promote the gallery, writing about our exhibits, and encouraging me. The two of them together have really amplified the spirit of what we’re trying to build, and I’m so thankful for their belief in me and the local arts scene.

The South Bay arts community deserves a lot of credit too. From fellow artists to local collectors, neighbors, and friends who show up and bring good energy—you all make this space come alive.

I’d also love to recognize Young at Art, a volunteer organization I’ve been part of since 2005. They do amazing work bringing art education into local schools, and that mission has deeply influenced the way I think about creativity and community.

Website: https://www.GalleryOfHermosa.com

Instagram: @GalleryOfHermosa

Facebook: @GalleryOfHermosa

Yelp: Gallery of Hermosa