By Noelle Sharp


MAKING ART WORK: Advice for artists, from artists is a series that taps into the knowledge and experience of seasoned creatives from our community and beyond for the benefit of our students. We had the pleasure of speaking with Artist and Department of Art & Art History Alum Kim Brown for this episode of MAKING ART WORK. 

What do you wish you had known when you were a less experienced artist?
Don’t wait for inspiration or a really good idea to start to make something. Chuck Close said something about “The work comes from the work. Process, in a sense, is liberating, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every day”. I work mostly in ceramics and textiles. Both these mediums lend themselves to a lot of surface design and development. When I’m stuck or not satisfied with where a piece is going, I’ll make samples, experiment with techniques or explore risky ideas. This will help generate energy and excitement to move in a new direction.

How do you find balance between creating your own art and using your creative talents for other projects (jobs, collaborations, etc.)?
It’s easy to get distracted with all the demands of life. I try and do my best with limited time for art, my job and other responsibilities. I can get a bit cranky when I don’t get into the studio but sometimes there isn’t room for everything. Here’s another good opportunity to make samples and when my schedule allows, I’m ready and looking forward making my work.

What’s the most useful advice you were given?
U of U professor, John Erickson once said “Blind contour drawing is really good medicine for the brain”.
Keep a sketch book.
Keep working.