whohub interview with Kim Hansen, Muralist

 

What do you do? How do you define yourself as an artist?

I am a self-taught, licensed custom muralist/artist. I own and operate JK Hansen Studios, f/k/a Custom Murals and Designs, in Gilbert, Arizona. I also studied Interior Decorating and received my diploma on November 26, 2002. When a client commissions me for a project, they are getting an additional bonus ~~ I always tap into my Interior Decorating knowledge to bring the whole project together to tie into their space or theme. My work, both commercial and residential, has been showcased throughout Colorado, Florida and Arizona. I specialize in custom hand painted wall murals, trompe l'oeil, murals for kids' rooms, unique faux finishes, marbling, custom hand painted wall tiles, custom canvas paintings, stenciling, and DOC bands (cranial helmets). I provide a wide range of custom finishes for residential and commercial projects, both interior and exterior finishes. I take great pride in my work and never consider a project complete until it meets my own high quality of standards. My work work is not limited to specific styles or favorite materials and every project I complete is custom just for my client in all aspects. I make it a practice to complete high quality work in the shortest possible time.

 

What is your message?

"If you can dream it, we can make it happen!" My philosophy on commissioning my services is designed to be simple and stress free for my clients, ensuring that the end product is entirely suited to their requirements. Whether they commission an entire wall mural, or a simple project, the process is the same. No project is too large or too small. I welcome the opportunity create an environment for my client that they have always dreamed of whether it be for their home or business.

 

Your biography in four lines.

I am a self-taught artist with 27+ years experience. Murals and Interior Decorating started off as a passionate hobby of mine painting for myself, friends and family. As word of mouth got around, so did demand. I decided to make a living at what I love to do. In 2002, I launched Kim Hansen Interiors, now known as JK Hansen Studios.  My work has been showcased throughout Colorado, Florida and Arizona.

 

Do you upload your work to the web? If so, where could we see it?

My portfolio, testimonials, newsletters and articles can be viewed on my website at http://kimhansenaz.wix.com/kimhansen

 

How is an idea born? For you, what is inspiration?

Since I was a very young girl, I always knew I had a special talent and quite an imagination. I was always drawing, tinkering with things, and rearranging furniture. Each project is always different from the last. Having a diploma in Interior Decorating gives me an edge over my competition. I first meet with my client on location so I can view the space where the mural or faux project is to be painted. I ask my client several questions. I have a way of bringing my client's ideas to life by "getting into" their heads so to speak. After my meeting, I return to my office and conduct extensive research by using the internet, books and magazines to find pictures of characters and landscapes, and search archives to study how places looked years ago, then draw on my imagination to bring the projects to life.

 

What role does technology play in your creative process?

I use the internet to conduct extensive research for each of my projects. I sometimes use Photoshop to create faux samples for my clients. I take a picture of the space they want painted, upload it to my computer, then drop in the colored faux painting technique or sketch so my clients can visualize what the completed project will look like.

 

What is art?

Art is the creativity that is born deep inside the artists' imagination, expressed with each tiny brush stroke, bringing the artists' thoughts to life for all to see.

 

When do you get your best ideas?

Many times an idea will come to me in my dreams.

 

How do you evaluate whether an idea is good or not?

When I present the idea on paper to the client. I know it's good when I see their expression and hear their comments!

 

Three creative ideas that you would have liked to have created?

The automobile, airplane, television

 

When and how did you begin to see yourself as an artist?

I was about 5 years old. I was always drawing, painting and creating things. I had quite the imagination.

 

How should a work of art be evaluated?

Since I am a muralist, my work is evaluated by my client's expression on their face and their comments I hear, and the wows they hear from people who see it.

 

Must an artist reinvent him/herself everyday?

I have to reinvest myself each time I take on a new project

 

What types of jobs do you usually do?

Interior residential mostly, some commercial projects.

 

Which of your jobs or tasks do you most enjoy?

Children's Murals

 

What advice would you give to those just beginning?

Paint with your heart and your imagination!