Kaleb Williams
In the intricate dance between life and art, sometimes an artist finds themselves on a hiatus, exploring different facets of existence. Life’s demands, personal challenges, or the pursuit of diverse experiences can lead an artist away from her creative sanctuary. However, the story doesn’t end there. There comes a moment when the artist decides to re-enter the realm of their creativity, igniting a powerful resurgence.
For various reasons, artists may temporarily leave behind their brushes, instruments, or pens. It could be the pressures of daily life, a need for financial stability, or perhaps a desire to explore different aspects of one’s identity. Kimberly Rashad is no different and has spent the last 10 years working in marketing communications and nonprofits – and she’s ready to venture back into her own personal creative realm.
Visual art was always an interest, but not necessarily accessible growing up in North Minneapolis, but she did gravitate towards music. Heading into college with art on her heart she used her first year to create a portfolio, applied to and got into the interior design school. Soon after, her style as an interior and graphic designer emerged.
“Starting art so late, I kind of had an underdog way of doing it since most people were more advanced and had been doing it longer than me…it helped me really appreciate the basics and fundamentals of art and design,” said Rashad about her style foundations. “I used the basics of design to my advantage and ran with that as my design style – you know primary colors, geometric lines and shapes, flat graphic design. My work is really clean.”
Creative outlets like YouTube have been a release and a way to focus Rashad on her transition to her professional art from the corporate side. Using her own personal aesthetic to collaborate Focusing and fusing interior and graphic design is her next practice. “I do want to get into interior design, but in a decor kind of way. Using graphic design to make patterns for textiles. I don’t dislike corporate but I want to use my own personal aesthetic as a partner rather than a creative worker.”
Creating comfortable and contemporary spaces in homes is important for Rashad and her artistic muse. Working for a high-end furniture brand would be a dream project in Rashad’s eyes – literally doing every piece in a room. Currently, she finds her daughter and her room as a creative inspiration. “I would love to be a part of a project that does the furniture, wallpaper, bedding, and the general overall design of the room.” “Right now, a lot of the work is getting out of my own way.”
Artistic resurgence is not a return to old habits; it’s an evolution. The artist may find they’re experimenting with new techniques, incorporating fresh perspectives, and embracing the change that has unfolded in her absence. The hiatus becomes a cocoon, and the resurgence is the emergence of a transformed creative butterfly.
Rashad reentering her creative work is a narrative of rebirth, growth, and the perpetual cycle of creation. It is a celebration of the indomitable spirit that fuels artistic expression. It becomes evident that the artist’s resurgence is not just a return to the craft; it’s a reaffirmation of the eternal bond between the creator and her creation.
Visit linktr.ee/kimberlyrashad to learn more and connect on Instagram at @iterate.land
Kimberly Rashad is currently featured in Artdose Vol 36. To order your own copy of Artdose, click here.