Artist Statement “Creating art is my expression for my kinship with nature--the ocean, plants, animals--and its infinite wisdom. Like many, I experience nature as a sacred teacher. It is through my strong desire to walk closely to the earth and spirit that I have a need to create a visual temple--a reminder of the human capacity for compassion and beauty--that expresses my prayers and gratitude for the preciousness of life. Being an artist is also how I process and dialogue what it means to be human. I use art as an instrument to bring healing to personal hardship or suffering and to cultivate forgiveness from grief. I bring the physicality of dance into my visual storytelling, influenced by the rhythm, movement, and energy of the natural elements whether it be waves, wind, or the quiet stillness of a small stone. I hope when others see my art, they are reminded of their own innate beauty.” About the Artist Artist Bio Kimberly Kirk is a young emerging artist whose visual creative process is uniquely influenced by her strong background in dance and storytelling. She holds a BA in Transformation Arts from the University of Minnesota. Transformational Arts is the study of empowerment through the arts--dance, creative writing, theater, and music. Inspired by her love for nature and spirit, her art is saturated with vivid natural hues and rich with symbolic meanings. She makes her home in beautiful Kauai with her husband and daughter where she nurses her addiction to surfing and Hula.