Kimberli Werner

"I’m fascinated in nature and I also like looking for signs of decay, like the way paint will scrape off a wall and leave another colour behind or even watching the decay of a leaf." 

Artistic Approach and Process

Kimberli Werner is an abstract painter who draws inspiration from nature, focusing on themes of decay and erosion. Her work explores the interaction of these natural processes, and she is particularly drawn to the varied textures found in the environment. To bring this into her work, Kimberli incorporates diverse materials such as sticks, paper, fabrics, and maps into her paintings, creating multi-layered compositions. Her distinctive approach reflects a deep connection with nature, translating its raw elements into textured, abstract forms that evoke the natural world’s organic and evolving processes.

Artistic Background

Originally from Pennsylvania, Kimberli grew up in a creative household where she was encouraged to engage with crafts and artistic expression from a young age. Her creative path began with a degree in fashion and design while living in the United States, but it wasn’t until five years after moving to the UK that she turned her focus to painting as her primary artistic medium. Although she experimented with various art forms, Kimberli eventually settled on painting, finding it to be the most expressive and rewarding way to channel her creativity.

Inspirations and Themes

Now living near the North York Moors National Park, Kimberli draws much of her inspiration from the expansive Yorkshire landscape. The openness of the countryside and the region’s natural beauty inform the textures and themes in her work, particularly her focus on nature’s cycles of decay and renewal. Her frequent long-distance walks with her husband through this landscape provide her with continuous inspiration, offering moments of reflection and insight that are woven into her paintings. The textures she observes in nature—whether in rock, bark, or other elements—play a central role in the themes of transformation and erosion that define her art.

Emerging Artist Awards Experience and Working with SCAF

Kimberli’s involvement in the Emerging Artist Awards was a significant milestone in her artistic journey. The experience helped build her confidence in applying to open calls and approaching galleries, marking a turning point in her professional career. The exposure gained through the awards provided valuable opportunities for networking and growth, encouraging her to further pursue artistic endeavours and share her work with a broader audience.

Post-Emerging Artist Awards

Since participating in the Emerging Artist Awards, Kimberli has showcased her work in numerous exhibitions across the UK and internationally. In 2022, she was awarded Bronze for her piece Shapes of Darkness at the ‘Abstracts with Red 2022’ exhibition hosted by Camelback Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona. Closer to home, she has exhibited at the ‘Inspired by… Gallery’ in Danby, as well as in venues such as the Blue Tree Gallery in York and at events like the Saltaire Arts Trail. Her work has been featured in a wide range of group exhibitions, demonstrating her growing profile in the contemporary art scene.

Future Aspirations and Emerging Ambitions

Looking to the future, Kimberli hopes to continue developing her artistic career and sees the potential for her work to integrate with interior design. She envisions collaborating with designers to create unique spaces where her art can become part of everyday environments. Ultimately, Kimberli aims to make art her full-time career, allowing her to continue exploring new creative possibilities and expand the reach of her distinctive abstract work.

"Working with SCAF has definitely given me confidence in the sense of applying to open calls and researching galleries to approach."