Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Kim.
Maria, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I come from a marine science and biology background, but in 2014 started working for an engineering consulting firm. It was a great job (benefits, nice people, fancy office) but I drained myself over work I did not care about. I felt increasingly unhappy everyday. After four years at this firm, I quit. I researched graduate programs and picked up some odd jobs, but was unsure what my next steps would be.
Funnily enough, drawing in an old sketchbook during this trepidatious time brought me comfort – it kept me grounded and gave me something productive to do. I quickly fell in love with the process. I shared some of my first few drawings with family and friends, who gave me amazing feedback. I took their advice when they encouraged me to share my work more publicly. Suddenly, people were interested in buying art pieces and requesting custom commissions. It was never my intention to sell my work, so I feel incredibly thankful that my path has led me to where I am.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I was raised in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, in a family that went on a LOT of road trips. Whenever my brothers and I had a break from school, our parents took us camping at national parks all over the country. I developed an interest in nature at an early age, and my affinity for nature has undoubtedly carried into my adult life. It took me to Miami, Florida to study marine science and biology, to Interior Alaska to work in the backcountry as a fish biologist… the list goes on and on.
I think in my artwork, I’ve found a way to fuse my love for drawing with my love for the environment through nature-inspired illustrations. I mostly create blackwork drawings on paper, although lately, I have been sourcing wood slices from naturally felled trees as a new medium to draw on. I largely stick to what I know and love – animals, plants, landscapes – in hopes that my passion for the outdoors will spread to audiences of my work.
Do current events, local or global, affect your work and what you are focused on?
Environmental stewardship has played an immensely important role in my life and career; global warming and climate change are threats that I care a great deal about. I personally hope that as my journey as an artist continues, my drawings will inspire people to preserve trees and forests, protect coastlines, honor nature, and take action for the future of our beautiful planet.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
The best way to view my work is on Instagram, where I post new work quite often. Almost all of the original drawings I create are available for purchase. People also often contact me via social media/email to request custom artwork. My Etsy shop also has a small selection of prints and other little pieces!
The next event you can find me at is the Dana Point Festival of Whales. The festival celebrates the annual migration of the California Gray Whale with two weekends filled with family friendly activities. I will be selling some of my artwork/products on March 2nd & 9th on the corner of Island Way and Dana Point Harbor Drive. See you there!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/backcountryink
- Email: backcountryink@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/backcountryink
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/backcountryink
Image Credit:
Maria Kim
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