Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Palacios
Hi Kimberly , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a first generation proud Mexican`American LA native. I am a painter and a maker of the strange and unusual. Growing up I was inspired by painter Frida Kahlo and knew at a young age the strong pull art had on me and would influence me the rest of my life. Learning about Frida’s life and hardships taught me from a young age that no matter what life puts you through, there will always be art as solace, comfort, and a life long companion. I as many artists do used it as an escape from reality and hardships. As I got older my love for art expanded to many mediums including film and music. As a child I would paint the positivity in my world, my pets, family, and environment. When it was time to decide what I wanted to be my mind immediately said painter of course. No specifications just paint. This did not convince my parents so one day I sat down and asked myself what is the one thing that brings me joy and all I could think of was art and film, that was it. Finding this career changed my life for the better. Once I realized this was possible I haven’t stopped since. I had to strong arm my way into art school reassuring my parents how passionate I was about this and that I would always give it my absolute all.I began my career while attending art school working on a lot of short films designing, scenic painting, and doing property master work on anything and everything, meeting amazing talented individuals along the way. This led to my career shooting up in unexpected ways, which was a bit terrifying but I knew it in my heart it’s this or nothing! I am so incredibly grateful for the people who believed in me and trusted me with their vision. I had the opportunity to also work in theatrical productions while continuing my education. It led me to working on off broadway shows in the art department. Since then, I have dedicated my career to being as versatile as possible, being a sponge around anyone I work with and always learning. Early on in my career I knew I had a passion for painting and creating props/environments inspired from my favorite films and directors. I titled myself “Arthaaus” to embody the love for the Bauhaus movement and as a symbol for keeping all the creativity in house, and being an artistic power house symbolizing the trust I had in myself to succeed, there was no other option for me. I truly believe I have found a balance in doing both of my passions and finding new ways to combine them. As my career continues I work a lot in the music industry and have loved all of the different aspects and challenges from each production , no matter how big or small. I am passionate about the lengths that creativity can be pushed and hope to make the world a little brighter.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d say it all began with a big obstacle. Many artists face the never ending question if this is the correct option for our lives and what will we do if we don’t make it and it can get very dark and overbearing. I always felt like I had to work twice as hard to prove to my family that this was a real career, as much as it drove me to work hard it also had a large weight that I’ve learned to let go of. Although at the time I saw that obstacle as negative, I now can see how it gave me a huge drive to always strive for the best and gave me the push to know I am unstoppable. My mom taught me to always keep my head held high and never take no as an answer. A lot of my work ethic and optimism in myself comes from her rooting me on in life. I tragically lost her three years ago and that forever impacted me and the trajectory of my life. I asked myself a lot if this truly is what she wanted for me and if I’m making her proud. On every job since then I dedicate it to her because she is my forever driving force and inspiration. I think it’s been a smooth road if I’m optimistic about it all, which I tend to do a lot. I have faced many people in position of power that take advantage of the “little guy” and that’s something I’ve never stood for. These are the times I question the industry due to the lack of recognition and respect for women in the industry as well. These past dilemmas have taught me to have thicker skin and focus on my career and passions and hope to leave generations before me the example that you can succeed for the love of your art without punching down. I have vowed to always help those around me and build community. As artists and creatives we should always be lifting each other up.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a scenic painter, designer, and prop master/fabricator. I have worked in every medium from still photography to music videos and Halloween mazes. I have always had a deep connection to films and the art of movie making. I enjoy making creatives dream come true. I specialize in custom prop making and scenic work from art installations to album covers. I love being able to create their wildest dreams come true in physical form. I am most proud of my work with Olivia Rodrigo and her live Vevo performance. As lead scenic I was able to hire my husband to do custom graffiti work on the Million Dollar theatre basement. That project will always be my favorite because I got to collaborate with the one artist that inspires me the most , my husband Carlos. It was very special to be able to collab with him and blend our aesthetics.Another project that holds a close second is my scenic work for James Blake’s album “ Playing Robots into Heaven. This album cover art had an exhibition at the Tate modern in London, I never expected my work to be in such a place and has always made me feel the most proud. Hopefully one day I will be able to travel to the Tate museum. I’d say what sets me apart is my determination to always give it my all. There’s a Mexican saying I grew up with that goes “ If we don’t know it we’ll invent it.” I carry that mindset with me in every project I work on.
How do you think about luck?
I believe I have been very lucky in life. Of course at times it has felt world shattering but I have found ways to cope. My art being the main focus. I was given the opportunity to work on many projects in the start of my career and looking back I see how much the people in my life at the time saw something in me, even if I didn’t. I went on a lot of projects probably taking on more than I should, but always accomplished more than expected. They all sculpted and molded me into the artist I am today and I will always be grateful. They taught me that with the right determination and passion you truly can do everything you set your mind to. I have also been fortunate to have met my long life friends along with my husband. This career has given me so much abundance in life personal and professionally. Surrounding myself with likeminded people and community has pushed me to strive for more as my career continues and constantly reminds me that nothing is impossible. I dedicate this to my mamá Patricia Dalina Padilla Prado. I hope I’ve made you proud.
Pricing:
- Day rate perproject
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.arthaaus.com
- Instagram: arthaaus
Image Credits
Vijat Mohindra- Kim Petras- Billboard magazine
Vijat Mohindra-Billboard magazine
Mikayla Lobasso- Olivia Rodrigo Vevo live session
Vijat Mojindra- Paris Hilton photo shoot
James Blake – the Tate Modern UK exhibit – Thibaut Grevet
