Interview: Christine Kim (Artist Print Series)
We recently announced the line up to our 2014-2015 Artist Print Series, featuring 20 artists from around the world. Every two weeks we'll be releasing a new print from artists on our roster, each work will be extremely limited and only 25 prints will be released. To kick things off we're premiering the print by Toronto-based artist/illustrator, Christine Kim. We recently sat down with her to get some answers regarding her process, inspiration and executiion.
What are you currently working on?
I've been dabbling in a few projects this summer which includes larger drawings, a new paper installation, and a few commissioned pieces.
Tell us about your process from inspiration to execution?
For the larger drawings, I usually start with an image. I've been using fashion magazines as a visual resource, but have moved on to photographing friends for this new body of work. I start by photoshopping the figure first to decide how many layers should accumulate on the drawn surface to reveal or obscure features. I've been interested in bringing the exterior world inside the figure - an inward folding. Then, I transfer the drawing on to larger paper with graphite. Afterwards, I cut the drawing out and start experimenting with cut paper pieces and watercolor washes. The collage process is the most uncertain/fun/frustrating part of the whole process. Sometimes I plan it all out and other times I leave it to chance and discovery.
What have you been listening to lately?
I'm doing this one commission for an ad agency and the paper sculpture is inspired by the 80s, so I've been listening to poolside.fm a lot - good music with video clips from the 80s.
School vs. Self Taught?
I would have to say school because it provides a space and a community necessary for me to learn and grow. I find that schooling is also a way to guard your time so that you can devote it to your own practice without having your life and all of its obligations infringe too much. It's a nice bubble.
If your work had a soundtrack, what would it be and why?
I think my work has a contemplative mood, leaning towards the melancholic, so maybe some Bat for Lashes, DeVotchka, Florence + the Machine, and Bon Iver.
What do you want people to take away from your work when they see it?
I would want viewers to see the transience and the fragility of the figures and their environments.
What does the future hold for you?
I'm not sure, but I figure I'll just keep on drawing and cutting paper to see what happens. I am excited to see how it all unfolds.
