“Nature’s Splendor”

“Nature’s Splendor” is an exhibit scheduled to open at Gualala Arts’ Coleman Hall, Friday, May 13, 2022. It features the art of Kim Walker, an internationally recognized artist, mother of four, grandmother of nine, and loving wife.

In her art, Walker reminds us that when viewing her work, “you are looking at not only paint but also actual botanic elements from nature.” The process of painting and the connections to nature are both great passions in her life. “Painting allows me the quiet and thoughtful internal dialogue that refreshes my spirit.  My compositions are intended to be a reverent reflection of the beauty, inspiration, and meaningful lessons found in the gifts of nature.  I believe connections to nature are indispensable to all people.”

Like many of us, Walker believes that we all hope to include time each day—even if only a brief moment here or there—to take in the wonder of the intricate beauty of a flower petal or leaf, or to simply experience a view into nature from our windows, and that each view has the potential to touch our lives in a profound and heartening way.  “This belief resulted many years ago in the inclusion of botanical elements into my mixed media compositions.  My art-making takes me on a spiritual journey as I seek and collect natural elements, which I then press and later incorporate into my paintings and 3-D art.  I trust my art to show great reverence to nature while providing viewers a personal connection to the natural world in a unique and unexpected realm.” Inspired by the insights and wisdom of life’s experiences—along with many metaphoric lessons found in nature, poetry is an integral part of her art.  “I feel that my paintings and my poetry go hand-in-hand and complement each other.  Therefore, each painting includes one of my original poems that I hand-write on the back of each composition.”

In 1992, while transporting her young (9 years old) son to-and-from college, Walker decided to attend classes herself, becoming the first person in her family to receive a degree—B.F.A. in Painting from Arizona State University. It also afforded her the unique experience of taking some classes with her son who went on to complete a PhD in Computer Science.  With great pride and joy she refers to this experience as a magical part of her journey. Walker’s art is represented by various galleries and also shown in numerous juried art competitions and invitational installations, and is found in private, corporate, and municipal collections in the United States and abroad.

The exhibit continues through June 5, 2022

Feel free to download a pdf of the poster and help spread the word.