Meet the Artist
Warm greetings from Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay area! I would like to share a bit about myself and offer you a glimpse into my ever-unfolding life as an artist. I have been a creative spirit since I can remember. In fact, we are all creators in our own special ways. For me, the tendency to engage in art-related activities began at a very young age. I was quite content to spend time alone drawing, coloring, writing poetry and stories (in my own handmade books), designing houses and floor plans, and doing anything crafty with whatever materials I could find around the house or yard. I was mesmerized by brightly colored flowers and butterflies. For someone so young, I had an unusual fascination with home decor, and the interior space and architecture of old homes (long before I knew what “architecture” meant). A trip to a gorgeous, historic home with lovely gardens was like heaven to me; especially one overflowing with blooming, deep blue hydrangeas in a quaint, coastal town (some things never change)! I was a daydreamer and could get lost in my imagination for hours at a time.
All of this observing, imagining and creating was both play and therapy for me. As the years have gone by, creative expression has been instrumental in helping me navigate through the ups and downs of life. With a natural eye for color, I have found that working and playing with all the beautiful shades of the spectrum breathes life, peace, and joy into my very soul. I recall being told by my interior design teacher in college that if I didn’t pursue an artistic career, I would be wasting my talent. To that, I say, better late than never!
It was many years after my design teacher’s advice that my life path changed unexpectedly, and thus began an amazing journey to pursue my love of color and the arts professionally. The initial spark occurred when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at a relatively young age and began participating in therapeutic art sessions at Annapolis Wellness House. In all my artistic pursuits through the years, the painting was something I never really seriously attempted. But I found myself in this place with all the supplies at my fingertips, and this is when I first discovered joy in painting, especially in working with watercolors. The painting process brought incredible emotional and spiritual healing to me during this difficult time in my life, which in turn aided in my physical healing. I could paint to express emotions, produce something pretty; whatever I wanted. The more I painted, the better I became, and before long, others saw something in my artwork. I eventually began to sell pieces here and there, which was deeply touching and encouraged me to continue developing my skills.
When the mood strikes me, I enjoy painting colorful pictures reminiscent of the beach, coastal towns, flowers, and sunny days. The inspiration comes from anything that I find beautiful or that simply brings me a sense of happiness. These cheerful images have been described as charming and carefree. At other times, something from deep within emerges and guides me through a painting, and I sense a spiritual presence manifesting through my artwork. I paint from my heart and soul and am grateful to share my work with you.
Visit Me on My Blog!
Inspiration, Observation, and Enlightening Musings from my Artistic Life
Copyright, Kim Lavinder, Blue Wave Cottage. All rights reserved. Distribution, copy, sale or use of images or text is not permitted without expressed written authorization. Please contact Kim Lavinder via kim@bluewavecottage.com to request permission.
Contact the Artist, Kim Lavinder kim@bluewavecottage.com