Following Her Dream
Kiyomi Baird
May 10, 2021
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As a visual artist, what catches the attention of Kiyomi Baird’s even during the small moments of daily life?
I love the so-called “small moments” of the day when my attention is drawn to something unusual, often in nature, such as a particular cloud formation or the shifting shadow it casts upon the high desert vista outside my studio. I frequently notice without effort events on the fringes of my consciousness, like the sound of the wind or simply the way a certain person moves or speaks. I absorb these impressions and then process them in my creative work. |
Photo: courtesy of the artist |
Do you enjoy talking about your work or do you prefer seeing the viewers search for answers in your art?
I prefer to let the viewer encounter my work directly without any prescribed narrative. My work is purposefully not didactic or message based. It rises up from my unconscious with minimal forethought or intentional manipulation. Ideally, it stirs a reaction in the viewer’s unconscious which they can ponder and interpret in their own way.
It can be said that your works present a nice balance of essential Asian ideas with distinctive Western flair. Was this a natural route that continues to keep you grounded and inspired?
I grew up in the U.S. as a third generation Japanese American. As an adult I lived in Tokyo for several years. That is when I realized that many aspects of my personal aesthetic are grounded in Japanese culture, which I had phylogenetically inherited at a deeper level. The interplay of these two cultures, East and West, is an essential characteristic of my work. I can even feel this dynamic tension when I am creating resulting in individual pieces spanning the spectrum across this divide.
I prefer to let the viewer encounter my work directly without any prescribed narrative. My work is purposefully not didactic or message based. It rises up from my unconscious with minimal forethought or intentional manipulation. Ideally, it stirs a reaction in the viewer’s unconscious which they can ponder and interpret in their own way.
It can be said that your works present a nice balance of essential Asian ideas with distinctive Western flair. Was this a natural route that continues to keep you grounded and inspired?
I grew up in the U.S. as a third generation Japanese American. As an adult I lived in Tokyo for several years. That is when I realized that many aspects of my personal aesthetic are grounded in Japanese culture, which I had phylogenetically inherited at a deeper level. The interplay of these two cultures, East and West, is an essential characteristic of my work. I can even feel this dynamic tension when I am creating resulting in individual pieces spanning the spectrum across this divide.
Cosmic Dance |
Avatar |
Passions |
What is a perfect setting that allows you to get lost in your creativity?
My work flows naturally from my unconscious, both personal and collective. So, the best setting for me is when I am in a quiet place - physically and psychologically - where I can be calm and centered. Then, I can tap into my inner voice.
Your works have poetic titles. Does a title come first or do you decide the title after you finish each piece?
The only time I have a title before I work is when I do a “tribute” painting. Otherwise, because of the way I work, I wait until the piece is finished. Then I sit down with the piece waiting for it to tell me its name.
Sometimes, the name is a 17 syllable haiku poem. That is always a treat!
Is seeking beauty a never-ending pursuit that gives pleasure and trouble to an artistic soul. How do you avoid turbulence?
I see beauty often and easily without having to pursue it. In fact learning to see…not just look…is an essential part of art itself. As for turbulence, it is an unavoidable part of life but it can be observed and managed.
My work flows naturally from my unconscious, both personal and collective. So, the best setting for me is when I am in a quiet place - physically and psychologically - where I can be calm and centered. Then, I can tap into my inner voice.
Your works have poetic titles. Does a title come first or do you decide the title after you finish each piece?
The only time I have a title before I work is when I do a “tribute” painting. Otherwise, because of the way I work, I wait until the piece is finished. Then I sit down with the piece waiting for it to tell me its name.
Sometimes, the name is a 17 syllable haiku poem. That is always a treat!
Is seeking beauty a never-ending pursuit that gives pleasure and trouble to an artistic soul. How do you avoid turbulence?
I see beauty often and easily without having to pursue it. In fact learning to see…not just look…is an essential part of art itself. As for turbulence, it is an unavoidable part of life but it can be observed and managed.
MÈNAGE Á TROIS by Kiyomi Baird
Whose opinion do you value the most when it comes to your artistic output?
While I find all opinions can have some value, what I find especially meaningful is when a viewer experiences something unique to them when looking at my work. Often the experience they report is more a feeling than a thought, maybe something spiritual.
We have an ongoing campaign titled #BeatTheBlues on ways to prioritize mental health. How do you choose to #BeatTheBlues?
We all experience “The Blues”. It could be related to self doubt or self judgment or sheer boredom. I try to befriend “The Blues” and get to know what it is about so I can move forward. Now, don’t get me wrong, it can take time but if you stay with it, you will be dancing again soon.
Where have you looked for comfort and good vibes throughout this past year?
Fortunately or not, I was quite ill and the opportunity to rest, really rest, and recuperate was the perfect prescription. However, I need people and life stimulus so there were times that were quite difficult especially during quarantine; however, books and music kept me dancing or better said "waltzing".
What’s the best sentence that you have heard or read today?
I think the best sentence is “Listen to your heart and follow your dream”.
You can check & buy Kiyomi's artworks here
While I find all opinions can have some value, what I find especially meaningful is when a viewer experiences something unique to them when looking at my work. Often the experience they report is more a feeling than a thought, maybe something spiritual.
We have an ongoing campaign titled #BeatTheBlues on ways to prioritize mental health. How do you choose to #BeatTheBlues?
We all experience “The Blues”. It could be related to self doubt or self judgment or sheer boredom. I try to befriend “The Blues” and get to know what it is about so I can move forward. Now, don’t get me wrong, it can take time but if you stay with it, you will be dancing again soon.
Where have you looked for comfort and good vibes throughout this past year?
Fortunately or not, I was quite ill and the opportunity to rest, really rest, and recuperate was the perfect prescription. However, I need people and life stimulus so there were times that were quite difficult especially during quarantine; however, books and music kept me dancing or better said "waltzing".
What’s the best sentence that you have heard or read today?
I think the best sentence is “Listen to your heart and follow your dream”.
You can check & buy Kiyomi's artworks here