Name:
karen
Profile:
Artist, living in LA http://www.karenkimmel.com/
Talking With the Artist Karen Kimmel
By RIMA SUQI
Karen Kimmel has had a prolific career as a conceptual and installation artist, yet she is better known as the woman behind the Los Angeles gallery-retail space KBond, now defunct, which she owned with her husband, James Bond, a music industry veteran and an owner of the Undefeated sneaker shops. Recently, the 43-year-old mother of two started a new venture -- Kimmel Kids, a line of educational tools and toys aimed at getting children and their parents involved in making art. The Exchange Collection, one of her first efforts, is a set of laser-cut plastic stencils, neon pencils and a coloring book, all packaged in a very stylish zippered canvas case. The starter set is $80, the "ultimate" one is $120.
You don't look like a conceptual artist.
I don't look eccentric enough? That's funny, since I'm attracted to eccentric things, but my visual veneer doesn't reflect my internal attractions.
Why did you decide to make a line of products?
We've lost an astounding amount of funding for arts education, and with that goes the ability to realize the importance of art-making, not because we need to create a million M.F.A. students, but because the practice of abstract problem-solving and abstract thinking is something you need for everyday life. I'm not saying I'm the answer, but making time for these things is important. It's all about slow parenting.
Never heard of it.
It's the idea of making time to be a parent. We so undervalue our time, say yes to too many things and have been programmed to think it's never enough. Profound things happen when you slow down.
Interesting. But back to the kit --
The idea behind the kit was to make something portable with flexible options that can go with you to dinner or on a trip, but that a mom could carry and still look cool.
How do you want people to use it?
Some of the kids put the stencils underneath the paper and started making rubbings with them. I was like: "Wow, you're way smarter than me. Thanks for that idea." Or use them on your walls, use them as a mobile, wear them as part of your outfit -- I don't care. They're tools, and you're the arbiter: show me what else they can be.
Ultimately it's asking kids to think, to use their imagination. If anything blows you away, it's got to be a kid's imagination, so why not give them fuel for the fire to tap it more?
The workshops you've held at Partners & Spade in New York and the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs were really successful. Why is that?
I wanted to figure out something I could do with my kids so I didn't feel I had to compromise enjoyment. The workshops are something we can do together, and we're all excited to be there. And I think other parents feel the same way. They can slow down, hang out with their kids and create things together in a cool place.
What about people who are intimidated by even the simplest art project?
A lot of people mistakenly think they're not good at art, but that's not the point. I hope people can learn to be comfortable making stuff where they don't know what the outcome is. The process, for sure, will yield something.
Are your kids into it?
My daughter is really into artwork, but my son would rather be in the pool. He never stops moving.
Information: (323) 660-8866 or kimmelkids.com.
By RIMA SUQI
Karen Kimmel has had a prolific career as a conceptual and installation artist, yet she is better known as the woman behind the Los Angeles gallery-retail space KBond, now defunct, which she owned with her husband, James Bond, a music industry veteran and an owner of the Undefeated sneaker shops. Recently, the 43-year-old mother of two started a new venture -- Kimmel Kids, a line of educational tools and toys aimed at getting children and their parents involved in making art. The Exchange Collection, one of her first efforts, is a set of laser-cut plastic stencils, neon pencils and a coloring book, all packaged in a very stylish zippered canvas case. The starter set is $80, the "ultimate" one is $120.
You don't look like a conceptual artist.
I don't look eccentric enough? That's funny, since I'm attracted to eccentric things, but my visual veneer doesn't reflect my internal attractions.
Why did you decide to make a line of products?
We've lost an astounding amount of funding for arts education, and with that goes the ability to realize the importance of art-making, not because we need to create a million M.F.A. students, but because the practice of abstract problem-solving and abstract thinking is something you need for everyday life. I'm not saying I'm the answer, but making time for these things is important. It's all about slow parenting.
Never heard of it.
It's the idea of making time to be a parent. We so undervalue our time, say yes to too many things and have been programmed to think it's never enough. Profound things happen when you slow down.
Interesting. But back to the kit --
The idea behind the kit was to make something portable with flexible options that can go with you to dinner or on a trip, but that a mom could carry and still look cool.
How do you want people to use it?
Some of the kids put the stencils underneath the paper and started making rubbings with them. I was like: "Wow, you're way smarter than me. Thanks for that idea." Or use them on your walls, use them as a mobile, wear them as part of your outfit -- I don't care. They're tools, and you're the arbiter: show me what else they can be.
Ultimately it's asking kids to think, to use their imagination. If anything blows you away, it's got to be a kid's imagination, so why not give them fuel for the fire to tap it more?
The workshops you've held at Partners & Spade in New York and the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs were really successful. Why is that?
I wanted to figure out something I could do with my kids so I didn't feel I had to compromise enjoyment. The workshops are something we can do together, and we're all excited to be there. And I think other parents feel the same way. They can slow down, hang out with their kids and create things together in a cool place.
What about people who are intimidated by even the simplest art project?
A lot of people mistakenly think they're not good at art, but that's not the point. I hope people can learn to be comfortable making stuff where they don't know what the outcome is. The process, for sure, will yield something.
Are your kids into it?
My daughter is really into artwork, but my son would rather be in the pool. He never stops moving.
Information: (323) 660-8866 or kimmelkids.com.
The Splendid® brand celebrates summertime at its flagship boutique
on Robertson Boulevard, welcoming warm days with cool treats courtesy of Ciao
Bella Gelato, an all-day 10% discount in store, and children's craft workshops
with renowned artist Karen Kimmel of Kimmel Kids.
Kids will have the opportunity to create custom artwork and
accessories with Kimmel and her team, transforming Splendid fabric into macramé
necklaces with vintage beads and using custom stencils to create one-of-a-kind
artwork.
Kimmel's work has been exhibited in highly regarded museums and
galleries such as LACE, CA and The Barbican Gallery, London and boasts
collaborations and projects with The Ace Hotel, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Nike.
Karen's work has appeared in publications such as Vogue, W, Paper Magazine and The New York
Times.
Join Karen Kimmel & friends for a weekend of craft, community, and creativity.
SHIFT GEARS from the hectic hustle of city life to a family retreat at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. INTERACTIVE WORKSHOPS focus on the reuse and repurpose of natural materials in art. Projects include stencils, piñatas, potato prints, miniature gardens, dioramas, macramé and knitting. HOST KAREN KIMMEL will lead the group along with her talented team: David Alvarez, Clare Crespo, Confetti System, Elizabeth Halpern, Erik Ian and Geoff McFetridge. POOLSIDE RECREATION & RELAXATION includes options such as a barbecue, movie night and communal dining, all designed to bring creative families closer together.
Special package rate of $650* includes:
• 2 days art instruction and supplies
• 2 nights lodging (standard king or double)
• Friday night fireside s'mores
• Saturday movie night and popcorn
• Kimmel Kids tote filled with fabulous goodies
* Upgrades available. Tax and tip not included.
* A la carte meal options available:
• Saturday family-style breakfast and poolside BBQ
• Sunday brunch
Reserve your space by March 30, 2010.
Call 760.325.9900, promo code ART
For more info, visit kimmelkids.com/crafting or
acehotel.com/palmsprings
Cancel by April 12 for a full refund. Call for complete details.
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's anything your little dreamer desires!
Let her imagination take flight with Kimmel Kids/The Art of Exchange art tools, stencil activity kits designed by local installation artist Karen Kimmel. Initially created for Kimmel's ongoing drawing workshops, the bright, nature-inspired patterns spur kids to create abstract designs as they toy with color, shape, and form.
Each kit comes with original laser-cut plastic stencils, an activity book filled with fluorescent paper and coloring templates, neon pencils, and a nifty pencil case -- all stashed in an eye-catching canvas pouch.
Play around for one minute or one hour.
Either way, sky's the limit.
Available at A+R, 1121-1 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, between San Juan and Westminster Avenues, Venice (310-392-9128 or aplusrstore.com).
Over the last two months I have been doing an Art of Exchange ceramic and stencil workshop at the 1st Street Gallery in Claremont. 1st Street is an art center and gallery for adults with mental and developmental disabilities. On October 2nd from 6-8pm the gallery will be exhibiting the work we have created together. I know it is a bit of a trek from LA, but the place and the people are so inspiring. If you have the time and can make it, I would love to see you there. If not, we will be showing the work from the show at Heath Ceramics Los Angeles in January. 
New Editions is hosting an artist workshop with me, Karen Kimmel, at J. Crew in Malibu!
Parent and kids alike, come join the fun...!
Sunday, September 20th
11am - 2pm
rsvp to: neweditions@thepattongroupinc.com
art, food, fun and 15% off all purchases during the event (J. Crew and crewcuts)
for more info check out neweditionsart.com
Parent and kids alike, come join the fun...!
Sunday, September 20th
11am - 2pm
rsvp to: neweditions@thepattongroupinc.com
art, food, fun and 15% off all purchases during the event (J. Crew and crewcuts)
for more info check out neweditionsart.com
Apple Via and I are putting together an art making weekend at the Ace Hotel the weekend of July11th and we want you to come!!!!
Bring your family, swim suits, sit poolside, and make arts and crafts with us!!
It is going to be a special summer weekend and we want you to be there!
Fun in the sun...
Bring your family, swim suits, sit poolside, and make arts and crafts with us!!
It is going to be a special summer weekend and we want you to be there!
Fun in the sun...
I have been invited by Partners & Spade to help launch their Avant Garde Preschool with my Art of Exchange Stencil Workshop. If you are free and up for crafting your own masterpiece please come check it out!
New stencil set and coloring book too, come on now...
Here are the details and more info about the workshops.
Promises to be an inspired LA evening....
Looking forward to seeing Kelly's geodestic dome bird houses!!
The Generic Man and Generic Surplus Pop Up
store at Space 1520. The party goes from 7-10 and will include drinks,
snacks, and a very special appearance from Michel Vedette and his
Automatic Body Dancing instructions...all the way from Le Baron Club
in Paris (his first appearance in the US.)
Installations by local LA artists such as Kelly Lamb
Joanna Bean, Atelier, Daniel DeSure and many others
Also there is an afterparty at the Mountain Bar in Chinatown with DFA
dj Justin Miller from NYC.
Copyright © 2008 LipstickTracez and Karen Kimmel
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