Meet Kimberlea Bass | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberlea Bass and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberlea, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
In the world of art, risk is the very essence of creation. When I think about risk, I am reminded of Thomas Jefferson’s saying: “With great risk comes great reward.” In my journey as an artist, every decision I make carries a weight of uncertainty. Each mark in my sketchbook is a gamble—will it blossom into a masterpiece, or will it serve as a stepping stone to a valuable lesson?

Choosing unconventional materials poses its own set of risks. I often wonder if my unique choices will resonate with my audience. What if my vision doesn’t translate? Or, when I pour my heart and soul into a piece, I can’t help but feel a flutter of anxiety about how it will be received. Will it be celebrated or critiqued harshly? These questions linger in my mind, but they motivate me to push boundaries.

I wake up with the intention to embrace happiness. In a world often overshadowed by negativity, seeking joy is a risk in itself. Yet, this commitment to gratitude has opened doors I never anticipated. It’s laid out incredible opportunities in my career and enriched my life in ways I could only dream of. My risks in the last few years have lead to completing my MFA at Savannah College of Art and Design, spening months in Europe as an artist in residence, driving Route 66 from Chicago to LA, educating hundreds of art students in the states and abroad, supervised student art teachers, been accepted into galleries across the country and winng awards. Risk is also a pathway to discovering the beauty and potential that lies within both art and life just waiting to be discovered.

Failure plays a pivotal role in the process of creative growth, acting as a powerful teacher and catalyst for development. In the realm of art, where experimentation is key, encountering setbacks or failure carries invaluable lessons that can propel an artist forward. It forces us to reevaluate our goals and expectations. It can lead to breakthroughs in technique or concept that might not have occurred. Each failure becomes a stepping stone, gradually building our confidence to take bolder risks. The more we experiment and fail, the more we learn to trust ourselves and our creative instincts.

In my own practice, I’ve learned to embrace risk as a vital part of my exploration. Instead of fearing it, I now see it as an integral part of my creative process. It is a necessary detour that leads me to a more authentic creative expression.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is deeply rooted in memory, nostalgia, and the fragmented nature of personal history. Beginning with a foundation in photography, I incorporate historic photo practices alongside found objects, aged materials, and stitching to explore the remnants of family, home, and time. The dismantling of personal connections informs my practice, compelling me to collect discarded heirlooms, vintage images, and organic materials that once held significance.

Through layering, binding, stitching, and weaving, I acknowledge both the beauty and the scars left behind by grief and change. My work is not just a reconstruction of the past but a recognition of its weight in the present. How does nostalgia function in our lives—is it an act of longing, healing, or transformation? How do we navigate the tension between remembering and letting go?

I am proud to share my artwork and invite the audience to bring their own stories to it. Grief is a universal emotion that so many share. I can not understand or reconcile what happened but I am grateful for the changes that have come because of the struggle. I am forever changed. I have used my grief to move forward, overcome my obsitials, and be brave. The exploration and experimentation of materials is an outpouring of big emotions and change. An example in my process, flowers are delicate and temporary. When they are in bloom you must be in the present to appreciate their beauty. I choose to pluck them and put them through the intense pressure of a flower press. Through this trauma,a the flower begins to fade and transform at the same time. Once the pressure is released and the flower has time to dry, it becomes an object that can last decades in its new form. However, if left in the pressure for too long, the flower will mold and decay. It will never again be free and full of life. When the process is complete, the flower is now beautiful in a new way. In much the same way, those who journey through grief emerge wholly themselves but something completely new who can never return to where they began.

I have learned through my art practice that it is just that. Practice in ideation, practice in self-reflection, practice in doing hard things, practice in love, practice in sharing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Welcome to Fort Worth! It is packed with some of the greatest art museums in the country in our cultural district. The Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth Modern, and the Amon Carter are just to name a few. They are all a must-see! When you are finished, head over to Magnolia Street. If you are lucky, it will be the weekend for Arts Goggle, in which the entire street is side by side tents of all kind of creatives selling their goods, and the streets are full of live music. If fine art is more your speed the head to Main Street downtown. In April, artists from all over the country are juried to be invited to exhibit. Fort Worth is an amazing way to experience the arts.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to those who have been instrumental in my artistic journey. First and foremost, a huge thank you to my kids, my biggest fans! Their unwavering support and enthusiasm for my next adventures inspire me every day. They challenge me to think differently about my narratives and fuel my passion for creativity.

I also want to acknowledge my parents and my sister, who have been the foundation of my journey. Their steadfast support has been a constant source of strength, allowing me to pursue my artistic dreams with confidence.

A special shoutout to the Photography faculty at Savannah College of Art and Design. The MFA program has pushed me to stretch my creativity and challenge the boundaries of photography in ways I never thought possible.

I am incredibly grateful to the outstanding artists in residence at Studio Faire and Château d’Orquevaux. These residencies have provided me with the perfect escape from daily life, allowing me to immerse myself in my artistry amidst the stunning French countryside.

Lastly, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to my mentor, Victoria J. Fry. As a leader in the art world, her guidance and support mean the world to me as I navigate my path as a professional artist. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey!

Website: https://kimberleabass.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimberleabassstudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkbphotography/

Image Credits
Kimberlea Bass