[Recent Interview with Janet Bartholomew-Murray]

She investigates the human figure, not just in its physical attributes alone, but in its basic nature, and expresses it in new and creative ways.

Kim Hopson is a painter and photographer based out of Houston, Texas.  Predominately focusing on the human head and figure, Kim is interested in the body as design, as a vehicle for storytelling, for metaphor and aesthetic eminence.

‘I am influenced by Gustav Klimt and John Singer Sargent.  I absolutely love Illustration—James  Jean and Aurelie Neyret, watercolorists like Cherry Hood, street art, graffiti, graphic novels and comics.’

‘I find inspiration from everything! Fashion magazines, sketches, patterns from nature, pin up girls, film noir stills, children’s books, fairytales.’

Kim’s paintings are a hybrid of pen and ink illustration and vibrant watercolor, drips, and layers of washes to create depth.  She uses Bristol board, spray-paint, acrylic, watercolor, pen and ink, screen printing, and block ink.

 ‘I usually work from my photography.   That’s where the ideas usually start for me.’

Also predominately figurative, Kim’s photography is high contrast, dramatic, and romantic. 

‘I’m interested in turning the curves and angles of the human form into strong classic compositions. Infrared photography is my favorite. It creates the most beautiful effects. Digital or darkroom, it allows me to transform the figure so that it is magically glowing within.  The skin looks like wax, creepy but beautiful.’

Currently, Kim is working on a series of paintings inspired by vices:  Greed, sloth, lust, rage, envy, vanity . . .

-Janet Bartholomew-Murray, 2009