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

Hi Kimberly, how do you think about risk?
Risks? More like sacrifices to be honest. Realizing how introverted I am and being able to step out of my comfort zone in order to promote my creativity is a very interesting journey. I don’t feel like I risked anything other than my time but sacrifices…..yes, I sacrificed a lot to get to where I am in my career. I sacrificed certain foods in order to stay focused mentally, physically and spiritually. I sacrificed letting go of relationships and friendships that no longer served me or brought me down in a negative way. I sacrificed sleep, money and even pushing my art to the side for a period of time. And with the economy showing out this year, I even sacrificed my larger apartment and downsized to a smaller one in a completely different neighborhood. Being real and transparent as I can possibly be….life was hitting me in many directions last year up until now and I can say the only thing I haven’t sacrificed was my sanity. After losing my grandmother two years ago and recently losing my Dad truly put me in a very low vibrational place. But being able to stay focused on my art, truly kept me sane and at peace. I was able to see every situation for what it was while staying positive through it all. Letting situations go that I have no control over was hard to do but became easier to implement into my life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Majority of my art truly comes from a place of randomness. I feel my subconscious is trying to communicate with me through the drawings and paintings I create. My main focus through the years has been eyes. Even as a little kid figuring out how to draw, the first thing I wanted to learn was the “eye”. Many artists paint eyes so that isn’t anything that would set me apart from others but the way I create my eyes in every piece does. Each “eye” I create is a depiction of another spiritual journey or awakening I’m experiencing. The more I look back on my work, I honestly believe that’s what my work means. I’ve evolved tremendously as I’ve gotten older and I definitely want my work to reflect that. I’m excited about the new pieces to come. A lot has happened since I was asked to do this interview and now my perspective of my work has changed. I’m at a point where I’m no longer going to overthink my work and just create what I want without a particular theme or specific meaning.

I believe if you don’t go for it, the opportunities won’t just fall into your lap. I’ve sought after every opportunity whether it was offered to me or recommended. Being able to step outside my comfort zone, meet new people and experience new places in Atlanta has been an amazing experience. Every opportunity has shaped me in my professional career as an artist. It definitely wasn’t an easy journey but in order to push through it all, I stayed positive, minimized overthinking, and getting one task done at a time. At this point of my Art career, I just want to be able to tell my story through my work the best way I can. Many won’t be able to look at my work and interpret what I’m trying to convey and that’s fine. It may come off a little selfish, but the work I create this year will be for me. And if others who view my work vibe with it then that’s a plus, if not, then blessings to you anyways. I don’t necessarily have a brand but I have a testimony to share about my spiritual connection with God and truly getting to know myself more while spending time alone creating. I hope my work and who I am as a person can touch a few souls and bring a little more joy and creativity into the world.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As an introvert this question would be somewhat hard to answer lol. Depending on the friend, when it comes to food they would have to be plant based or at least open to it. There are so many plant based spots I would have them try if I’m not in the mood to cook. But my Top Five plant based restaurants are: Plant Based Pizzeria, Life Bistro, Slutty Vegan, Healthful Essence and Veganomix Vegan Pastas. As for entertainment, something is always happening in Atlanta but I love the vibes at any Art event or craft show. Being around a group of creatives whether Artists, musicians, dancers, singers etc. are always a vibe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my mother Loriann King and my late father Kenny Llewelyn King. I thought it would be appropriate to give a shoutout to the two people who came together to bring me into this world. Although I have many supporters, these two were the ultimate MVPs. I want to start off with my mom because her previous artworks was the reason why I starting drawing in the first place. She was hesitant about me making art as a full time thing but she finally came around. She’s been so supportive in my artistic journey and she’s been rocking with me ’til this day. And my Pops, he was something else lol. Even though we weren’t around each other much as I got older, he would be promoting my art to his friends and associate like I was a celebrity already. Even though our relationship was a bit rocky the older I became, he truly made me feel like he was proud of what I’ve become and I’m glad he was able to see that before his passing. I love my parents to pieces and they are the ultimate supporters that filled me with so much love and encouragement throughout my art career.

Website: https://www.nerdydopeartist.com

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

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nerdydopeartist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nerdydopeartist

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NerdyDopeArtist

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.