Canton Tourism sits down with Mississippi Art Colony director, Kim Whitt, to discuss her distinct artistic style and the importance of having a creative community to lean on.
Good morning, Kim! We’re thrilled to be chatting with you today.
I’m happy to be here. You just caught me on a cross country road trip!
Oh, wow! I hope you’re having an amazing time!
Definitely. I just made it back home to Mississippi.
Are you originally from Mississippi?
I’m not. I’ve been here for about fifty years, but I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. I went to college at USM.
A true southern bell! Can you tell me about your roots as an artist? How did you get involved with the Mississippi Art Colony?
I’ve always been an artist. I’ve been surrounded by creativity my entire life. When I was younger, I was a dancer and majored in cultural anthropology. In school, I studied the arts and crafts of cultures around the world. I think I was just born with a very creative mind, and I was lucky enough to have parents that fully encouraged me to express myself.
I began working for the MS Arts Commission as the Arts Education Director for nine years until I retired in 2014. I worked with the Art Colony quite a bit during my time at the Art Commission. When I retired from MAC, I realized I had the opportunity to go to this organization that I had worked with. I was aware of how they operated, and the people involved, so I dove at the chance to be a part of it and learn how to be a better artist. I joined the group and was asked if I would like to serve as the Director because of my experience at the Art Commission. I loved the Art Colony group tremendously and thought that I could use the resources I learned from the Commission to help them grow, so I happily accepted the offer. After 2020 and the pandemic, we've hosted our Spring and Fall retreats at Lake Tiak-O'Khata every year, who have been so supportive of The Colony and a beautiful oasis to look forward to every year.
One of your paintings, Shady Grove, is on display as part of the Spring 2024 Exhibit in Canton, MS. What’s the story behind this piece?
Shady Grove is an oil landscape on canvas. I’ve always been attracted to landscapes as my subject because I live in beautiful South Mississippi. Trees have always been a significant part of my work and I wanted to approach them in a more explorative way. I did a body of work last summer that focused primarily on color. I called that series “Dreamscapes” and really dove into working with color and texture. I wanted to approach landscapes in a more imaginative and abstract way. That series was incredibly unique. In that body of work, I tried to bring the language of textiles to paint.
Shady Grove by Kim Whitt, on display in the Allison’s Wells School of Arts and Crafts in Canton, Mississippi
Can you tell me more about your use of textiles?
Absolutely! So, I’m also a textile artist (weaving, more specifically) and have been doing that for 45 years. I was introduced to weaving in the early 70’s. It was an art form that was being explored back then, and I think we are rediscovering it now. I aim to explore the intersection between weaving and painting and find a way to integrate the two styles. I do so by practicing a technique called “painted warp.” In my painted warp work, I use unconventional material to create landscape references. I wove copper wire, moss, and various other materials into the pieces. I like using those materials instead of just using yarn because it allows me to create sculptural landscapes through weaving. By doing this, I’m trying to create a new artform – perhaps a mixed media form – using elements of textiles and elements of painting. Currently, I’m working on a body of work that will be shown at the Columbus Arts Council in November.
How amazing! The technique you described is very unique and inspiring. What gives you inspiration to create such distinctive pieces?
I would have to say that my environment and nature is my greatest inspiration.
What advice would you give to young artists that are trying to find a creative voice that’s unique to them?
I would tell a young artist that if there’s not a creative, artistic community near them - they should start their own. You need to find your tribe of people who are like-minded, supportive, and serious about their work. For example, in Hattiesburg, there’s a group of about fifteen female artists, called The Women’s Art Collective. We were creative friends that got together to talk about our artwork and support one another. The MS Arts Colony is also a great resource. It was made for not only experienced, but also aspiring artists in mind. We host sessions that basically act as Professional Development Training for artists and are taught by nationally acclaimed artists.
For a smaller town, such as Canton, what do you think strengthens and brings the art community together?
This is my arts education background speaking, but for Canton, I think having that genuine authentic brand tremendously helps the arts community prosper. Canton wants to grow and serve the arts, so providing opportunities for artists in the area is a great way to go about that. Now that we are slated to have Canton Tourism host The Colony’s Traveling Spring Art show in Canton every year moving forward, I think the town is moving in a marvelous direction.
That being said, I also think it’s important for Canton to know what makes Canton special. As far as the arts go, I would say the Allison’s Wells history is a great start to educate people about art history in the town, as those are the bones that built Canton’s art community.
Find Kim:
Website: kimwhittart.com
Instagram: @kimcwhitt
Facebook: Kim Whitt Art