From The Rock to the Concrete Jungle, Kimberley Kaye knows all too well about the struggle, the ups and downs of life as a visual artist. A learned painter and sculptor in her late-20s, Kaye has creativity coursing through her veins, what with a family that’s talented. Recently married, she relocated to New York but will soon settle full-time in Florida, where she will be closer to home. She tells SO her story…

SO: Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up in Jamaica. What was your family like? Did this influence your interest in art?

KK: I was blessed to have a large, loving family and for me, Jamaica was an amazing country to grow up in. When I think of my childhood, I remember some great times — running up and down, climbing trees, roller skating with my sister and cousins all summer long, going to the beach every Saturday, visiting my grandparents in Montego Bay and eating naseberries on the verandah — those were the days.

I think the beauty and tranquility that I experienced as a child in Jamaica moulded me into the person and artist that I am today.

SO: What are the pros and cons of a career choice such as this? Is this your career choice? Or merely for recreation?

KK: Yes, art is my career choice, although it started out more as recreation.

The biggest positive is that I get to do what I love and not everybody can say this. I would hate to be in an office all day long, that’s just not me. It is also great not to have to answer to a boss; I can be late for work every day, and I never have to hear those dreadful words “you’re fired”.

On the other hand, the income is not always consistent, with peaks at certain times of year like Christmas, and at other times it can be depressingly slow. Also, you must have a ‘hustler attitude’ to succeed and this doesn’t always come naturally to me.

SO: Is there a history of art/ artists in your family?

KK: I come from a very artistic family with four fine artists (including myself), a jewellery designer, and a cake designer/ muralist all in my age group, on my mother’s side of the family. My father and his sister also painted when they were younger, so it seems that the artistic blood runs on both sides. I may also be related to this artist by the name of Peter Doig. He’s a noted Scottish artist (residing in Trinidad) who has exhibited his work across the globe, won numerous awards and auctioned work at Sotheby’s for millions. My mother’s great-great-grandfather, Paul Doig, settled permanently in Jamaica in 1838 from Scotland. Apparently, all the Doigs are related, and I would like to think that I am related to a world-renowned artist. Hopefully I follow in his footsteps one day.

SO: Was art always something you wanted to do? At what age did you first pick up a paintbrush?

KK: Well, from as far back as I can remember I was drawing and painting. My mother says that from as early as five I would watch Saturday morning cartoons with my paper, pencils and crayons trying to draw the characters. I had drawing books filled with Mickey, Minnie and the crew. I carried art with me all through school and took art in CXC, A-level and college, although it wasn’t my major.

SO: So what did you major in? And when did you decide to make a career out of art?

KK: It wasn’t until 2004 that I decided to make a career out of art. I actually have a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a minor in chemistry from the University of Tampa, which I completed in 2002. I always loved art and science, but because science was the more “practical” choice, that was my focus in school. My parents agreed and hoped I would be a doctor, probably so they could get free check-ups in their old age. After university I spent the next year working at a doctor’s office (where I discovered I didn’t want to be a doctor), then moved to Jamaica and briefly tutored Biology and Chemistry to CXC students while I figured out my next move. I was kind of lost and didn’t know what direction to go in, so I began painting landscapes, and after I had a few pieces I decided, on a whim, to have a show. I was very surprised at how well it went and thought, “this might actually work”. After mounting two solo shows I decided I wanted to go to Art School in New York to hone my natural skills and also explore and develop other skills like stone carving and welding. I studied at the School of Visual Arts from 2006-2008, which was a very liberating experience.

SO: What has been the response by your family about your pursuing a career as an artist?

KK: They were a bit hesitant to jump on board at first, but by the time I had my second show in 2005 I think they were okay with my career change. My extended family and friends have also been very supportive, which I really appreciate.

SO: How would you describe the work that you do? What are your favourite things to draw or paint?

KK: It is very hard for me to describe my art. It’s kind of all over the place right now with no specific focus. I am mostly recognised in Jamaica for realistic landscapes, portraits, flora and nudes. What most of my clients don’t know is that I also do abstract paintings and sculptures (they are a bit expressionist in nature) and I mostly hoard them away in my New York apartment waiting on the right time and place to show them, so I can’t really describe my work as a whole.

My favourite thing to paint or draw would be figures and faces; I love capturing human emotions and gestures. I also adore stone carving and feel at home when I’m chiselling away at a piece of rock.

SO: What are some of the things that inspire your work?

KK: People inspire me; I love to watch them, which sometimes gets me some dirty looks on the train! The beauty of Jamaica definitely inspires my landscapes and I find it hard to paint them when I am in New York, far away from the source. I notice that when I am in the “concrete jungle” the colours in my work get more subdued and I use a lot more grey and black, so I guess my work is inspired by what surrounds me.

SO: What has been the response to your work by others?

KK: The response has been great in Jamaica. People in Jamaica still tend to love realistic work unlike the United States where landscape and that sort of thing is not desired as much. In the States I sell landscape, portraits and so on to friends and friends of friends, and focus on Caribbean people through websites and other avenues (Facebook being one of them).

SO: Where have you exhibited your work before, and when will future exhibitions take place?

KK: My first solo exhibition was in 2004 at Velisa’s Restaurant in Kingston. The second one was at Grosvenor Gallery in 2005. Christmastime is the easiest time to find my work. Every December I come to Jamaica and either have a solo exhibit, or I show my work at an art & craft fair. Last year I did the Grosvenor Gallery Christmas Fair and Market on the Lawn but this Christmas I plan to have a show, possibly a group show if my family is on board.

I also have giclée prints on www.jamaicaart.com and www.kimberleyart.blogspot.com for international and US sales, respectively.

SO: Do you have any advice for someone who would like to pursue art?

KK: First and foremost, figure out who you are as an artist and the passion you have for what you are doing will reflect in your work. You will eventually find that niche market for your style of work; and until you find your place in the art world keep up the legal hustle.

Find out more about Kimberley Kaye by e-mailing her at kimmysimi@gmail.com or by checking out her blog at www.kimberleyart.blogspot.com.