Interview: Painter Kim Fay and Her Exhibition 'Brave' at Galerie Camille, Detroit

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'Thermals' 28x48, acrylic on canvas

INTERVIEW:

KIM FAY 'BRAVE'

at Galerie Camille, Detroit

by Gordy Grundy

Art Report Today: I betcha that in the Detroit arts community, when everyone thinks of you, they first think of your Real Art Detroit.

Kim Fay: Most people do think of the writing first.

You have my applause. You cover the Detroit art beat. Your work as a cheerleader, an advocate for the home scene, with your long and thoughtful writing works are something to be proud of. In a city with very little arts media.

You say this show 'Brave' is two years in the making. What took so long?

I’d been developing this body of work for a year and a half leading up to the original exhibition date, which was this past March. Unfortunately that gallery ran into some financial difficulties, which compromised my exhibition.

Detroit is an incredibly supportive community, so when Adnan Charara heard my show was delayed indefinitely, he offered his gallery space for the month. I gratefully accepted.

It’s a gorgeous space and shows the work well.

Where do you come from, your influences? How do they guide your work?

I spent a significant period of my childhood in New York. My father was a painter so I got dragged to all the museums.

Cool Daddy-O. Lucky you.

Even at a tender age, I immediately connected with Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and all the other 1950’s abstract expressionists. It’s the most fulfilling love affair I’ve ever had. I love loose expressive brushstrokes.

I’m also highly organized so I combine the structure of the minimalists with organic shapes while allowing an emotional pause in the negative spaces.

I like the limited palette. How did that happen?

During a period when I was emotionally off-center, I was looking for a quiet place to balance myself.
Strong color was too jarring. Of course this means the other elements have to be well attended since I’m not relying on bold color to save a bad composition.


'Dare I' 40x16, acrylic on canvas		'Dare II' 40x16, acrylic on canvas		'Dare III' 40x16, acrylic on canvas

We don't see many vertical canvases. Didn't they teach you in art school that horizontal fits much better above the couch. How did that decision evolve?

Ha. Good art doesn’t match your couch. I like an almost square as well (i.e. 38x40). I’m bored with standard dimensions.

When you stretch your own canvas, you can make any size you want. I have no defense for the narrow verticals, other than these dimensions interest me as much as my current inexplicable infatuation with sap green and anthraquinone blue.

The show is titled "Brave." What are you saying?

It originally referred to my father’s death, where I worked out my ideas about life, and what comes after.

It was about getting up every day and forging ahead in the face of profound grief.

It’s morphed into a similar maxim, but now applies to the current political and social landscape. To have the courage to propel yourself forward despite formidable opposition.

And away we go! I don't think you have shown in awhile. Will this show surprise many people?

I've consistently had work in group shows. My last solo as a painter was seven years ago. That work was still searching for a definitive voice.

This exhibition is the maturation of those germinating ideas. I wouldn’t say people are surprised as much as, “Oh yeah. I forgot she paints.” I hope this show lays all doubt to rest.

I did not know what to expect. And as I thought about it, I imagined your art works—I think of you as a Pioneer Woman, and I thought your work would be rowdier. These works are really beautiful and serene.

Thank you for that acknowledgement.

Sometimes I feel like I’m writing in the dark. Recently I presented a poll to Real Art Detroit subscribers and was stunned by the overwhelmingly supportive response. It rekindled my enthusiasm for the project. As you pointed out, the Detroit art scene is in desperate need of more visual art coverage, so I won’t be packing that in any time soon.

Publicly I’m decidedly energetic. If I surprise anyone, it’s in the contrast between who people perceive me to be and these visual statements reflecting a person very few are acquainted with; a quiet, contemplative mind searching for peace, in a way too rowdy external environment. What do they say? Watch out for the quiet ones?


'Bravery' 56x40, acrylic on canvas		'Sumi-E' 36x38, acrylic on canvas

You are hinting at vast enchanted environments. Showing us just a bit to hang onto, letting our imaginations fill in the rest. Thoughts?

Abstraction makes you work for it. There’s no clear subject to grab onto.

These are intimate musings from an intensely private person. I’m going to harbor some secrets.

In a world consumed with more, maybe these ethereal landscapes provoke consideration of alternative avenues to joy and freedom.

Kim Fay, take me there. Are you thinking about the next show? What can we expect?

My life has been so turbulent the past few years, I’m not who I was, so the work won’t be what it was.

I’m as intrigued by what comes next as anyone else.

Kim Fay lives a very purposeful life in the arts. She is engaged in her literal community, which she documents and promotes digitally to the world. She perceives the creation of her art works as an adventure and a challenge. And as a guide. This is a lifestyle.

I found the 'About' section of her Real Art Detroit Substack to be fascinating. Click Here.

___________________
GORDY GRUNDY is the Editor-in-Chief of Art Report Today.

Unattributed Painting Upper Right: 'Sanctuary II' 40x16, acrylic on canvas