Artist Kim Buck says that the first time she began drawing with charcoal “was like remembering a language I didn’t know I knew”. Up until that point she had started a degree in psychology, lived overseas, and begun a science degree. She says that what began as a hobby soon turned into an obsession. Since then she graduated from the South Australian School of Art in 2009 and has had six sell-out solo exhibitions and won a series of awards, including Prospect Portrait Prize. Kim is represented by Peter Walker Fine Art in Adelaide, where she was born, and Jan Murphy Gallery in Brisbane. The hawk artwork above is part of a 12 Days of Christmas exhibition series at the Jan Murphy Gallery. It's Kim's first non-figurative drawing.
Which five words best describe you? Sensitive, habitual, smiley, patient, Scorpio.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? I had a couple of lucky breaks. Opportunities to exhibit early on gave me the experience and confidence to continue. By the time I finished art school, I had already had two exhibitions, which really helped me learn the discipline required to commit to art, post-institution. Since then, I’ve continued to have annual solo exhibitions and squeezed in a few other projects here and there.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Discipline, without a doubt.
What’s your proudest career achievement? Having a work hanging in my home state gallery - the Art Gallery of South Australia - was pretty amazing.
What’s been your best decision? To pick up a charcoal pencil one night and start drawing. Simple, but true.
Who inspires you? My partner and family. It’s more of a "what" than a "who" but the bush has always been a huge inspiration as well. It’s the only place I can truly hear myself think, and gain access to that deep space inside where creativity happens.
What are you passionate about? Nature, drawing, equality and figs.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? It’s impossible to decide between two people, so I’ll cheat and name them both. They are both extraordinarily talented nature poets: Mary Oliver and Mark Tredinnick. What I wouldn’t give to take a walk with them and watch them, watching the world.
What dream do you still want to fulfil? To be a mother. My cats are great practice, but I look forward to having human babies.
What are you reading? There are usually a couple on the go. At the moment, it’s Autumn Laing by Alex Miller, All the birds singing by Evie Wyld and Self Power by Deepak Chopra. I love a good self-help book.
images courtesy of kim buck
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