Exhibitions
One man shows:
29th January – 10th February 2002: Blue
Orange: new work by John Kimber
The Lower Gallery at Lauderdale House,
Highgate, London.
23rd July – 5th August 2001: On
some road: an exhibition of recent paintings by John Kimber
The Long Gallery at Lauderdale House,
Highgate, London.
Collaborations:
28th April – 18th May 2002:
Equinox: an exhibition of paintings by Maxine Quick and John Kimber
The Greyhound Gallery, 1b East Cross,Tenterden,
Kent
Something about me!
I was living in North London and in October 1999 I had just finished a long and gruelling Masters in the psychology and practice of change and suddenly seemed to have a lot more time on my hands. The course had changed me in a lot of ways (more aware of myself, my motives, my feelings and my 'stuff') and my life style had changed as a result (eg In December I became an independent self employed facilitator).
I now live in the middle of rural Kent with my wife, two step sons, 5 cats, 10 chickens, 2 guinea fowl, 1 peacock, loads of fish and the ever present and hungry ducks. I love it!!
Painting and me
One of the major changes for me was a re-awakening of my creative self. It's always been here in one form or another either through music (I play the guitar) or how I approach my work with groups (eg creative problem solving). However, this creative itch refused to go away. I had done some water colour painting 20 odd years ago and had taken some pencil drawing classes around that time too. I hadn't done anything in the meantime and the urge to paint just grew.
I bought some canvases and acrylic paints - more in hope than anything I suppose. The pivotal moment came when I painted a canvas yellow. Cleared my mind and waited for the right moment to paint. The resulting green brush strokes opened the flood gates.
Being open to the right moment
I find the urge to paint comes in waves and when I have the motivation I just have to do it. This is usually at night with lots of music (and occasionally some wine!). I feel very frustrated if I don't have material to paint on/with when the urge comes calling! I find the act of painting takes me somewhere else. Time seems to pass and I'm in a different mental place. It feels very satisfying - especially if I'm pleased with the results. I find I tend to sit with the picture and allow them to develop over time until they are ready. How do I know when they are ready? I just know!
So. . . who do I paint for?
I paint for, and to please, myself. If other people like them that's great - if they don't that's great too! However, I have found feedback useful and friends who have offered constructive views, opinions and insights have helped me on my way.
I’m always grateful for feedback – drop me an e-mail on the link below (ie my name).
My relationship with my pictures subtly changes when I do them for somebody else (either as a gift or a commission). I notice that I am now painting to please somebody else and this can get in the way of the creative process.
The way I have dealt with this is to paint for myself and keep that in mind whilst I work. I then sit and look at the painting until I'm satisfied and only then release it.
With this in mind I will do a commission
- drop me an e-mail on the link below!