Wednesday, February 9, 2011

SPOTLIGHT: On Kim Geiser

 

GEISER

Faculty Name: Kim Geiser

Birthplace: Manitowoc Wisconsin

Current Residence: My Hometown Manitowoc Wisconsin

Necessary Job: I am one of the lucky ones… making art is my job.

How long have you been doing art?
I have been making art my entire life. Coming from a creative family I spent hours at my grandma’s kitchen table drawing and from then on was hooked on creating.

At what age did you begin creating and why?
Being surrounded by creative women exposed me to arts and crafts very early in life. All through my childhood art was always my escape. I actually had a piece of artwork in our local art museum every single year I was in school for the Youth Art Month display. I was a victim of bullying from 7th grade on so art helped me escape from that daily pain. Looking back art has been healing for me in all times of pain in my life.

What is your favorite part of teaching?
Teaching is far more rewarding to me than just creating in my studio alone. There is nothing more thrilling to me than seeing that light go on in someone’s eyes when they find their creative voice. I also have learned so much over the years from the people I have taught at the many art nights I have hosted at my studio. The lifelong friends I have made through teaching are invaluable.

What do you find most challenging about teaching?
Most of all teaching is far more rewarding and fun for me than challenging. I have a hard time when one of my students is struggling with confidence but after teaching hundreds of people over the years I have never had anyone not find that confidence by the end of a class or workshop. I think it is really important as a teacher to pass on that in art like life the most important thing is to just be you and never feel bad about that. Once you get that the sky is the limit!

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am so lucky to live right on Lake Michigan just blocks away from the beach where I love to bring my dog and family and just wade in the waves, search for treasures and build beach houses out of driftwood. I am also a pretty avid gardener, love cooking (and eating), and volunteering to make my community a better place for all. Life is good.

What is your favorite type of art medium?
This is impossible for me to answer. I am a true art supply addict! I find my self always going back to mixed media jewelry I think because I love to wear lots and lots of jewelry. But having hands full of paint or snuggling up with some yarn and a crochet hook are pretty fantastic too!

Who is your favorite artist?
Oh such a hard question! As a pretty avid collector of things I love by people I like I don’t even know how to pick! Right now my favorite artist is Sue Pelletier. Her work is so much fun and full of texture plus she is a pretty awesome woman! I was lucky to meet and form a friendship with her last year at the Create event put on by CPS and we are such kindred souls it is crazy! I look forward to teaching at Art Is to form a bond with more of my Art Family I have come to know throughout the years but never met in real life!

What is one interesting (trivial) fact that everyone should know about you?  I once worked in a flower shop where I met a very tan man who was buying flowers for a woman in Vegas. When he gave me his credit card the name was Tom Jones and I gave him a little tap on the arm and said “ha Tom Jones isn’t that funny?” He was not amused and later when every woman in the place ran up to me panting I knew why…it was THE Tom Jones.

I was young. Smile

My favorite image
Is a picture of my little girl Molly and I standing in the doorway of my store Persimmons taken from my super talented friend Nikki Nischke. I love this picture because it reminds me in so many ways that dreams come true. The only thing missing from the picture is my husband Glenn who has supported me and made all of my dreams reality and my fuzzy baby Holly.

Molly and I at the Door

http://www.persimmonsgal54220.blogspot.com/

8 comments:

patricia treml said...

dreams do come true! wonderful article!

Kathy said...

Love this...and this pic of you and Molly.....I adore.

glimmering prize said...

although i have never met Kim in person, we have known each other for several years through Etsy and making art. she is an amazing woman, who inspires me everyday. her spirit and joy is so large and powerful, it can engulf my hesitations and negative thoughts in a nano-second, and magically turn it around in my head so only the positive remains. heavy stuff? i know. i own a piece of heart that kim made a few years ago...it says follow your heart... you will love where it takes you. i did just that... thanks for the inspiration KIM! you are the greatest!

whyte said...

A big fan of Kim's too! And Molly's! :)

Jodi Ohl said...

Kim is definitely a big inspiration to so many, her charming personality is as likable and contagious as her art which mirrors her delightful soul. We met a few years ago on Etsy and I feel like she is definitely one of my 'Art Soul Sister's'. Anyone who takes her class is going to love her and her style!

Jodi

Unknown said...

I love Kim, she was the first person who took in some of my art when she had her store. She gave me the confidence that I knew was there all along but didnt know how to find!

Shelly said...

Great interview! So great to read more about Kim!

Jenny Petricek said...

Hi Kim! Nice to meet you! I currently live in Racine, but grew up in Sheboygan Falls, and spent much of my childhood taking tennis lessons at Manitowoc YMCA! I heard from Nancy Lefko about an upcoming retreat you're hosting in Manty...where can I get info on this? Thanks!