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Art is subjective to each viewer. What is deemed beautiful by one is misunderstood by another. But art is not about beauty, but instead focuses on a message. Thurston County resident, Kim Schult, is using animal images of the Pacific Northwest to convey a beautiful message of life in our area through her art.

sunset air“I work at Tenino High School as the lunch lady,” describes Schult. “Someday I would love to make my passion for art my full-time job, but I still really enjoy my work with the students at the high school. Many of them don’t know that I’m an artist, but once they find out, I get students asking me to help them draw or wanting my feedback on their art.”

“We moved to Thurston County in 1992,” explains Schult. “We just happened to drive through Tenino and just fell in love. This is the place we need to be. We consider this area our permanent home.”

kim schult art
Kim Schult may best be known as Tenino High School’s lunch lady, but there is more to her than simply cooking food.

Schult’s roots in art start from childhood. “I’ve always done art and never gone to school for it. I was nine when my dad died and it helped me get through that. I was alone a lot and it helped keep me busy. No one really knew I was an artist outside of my immediate family. I was worried about sharing because it was so personal. I was always expecting that negative comment.”

While many of her paintings are completed by request, most of Schult’s art is focused on animals. “There are so many people in our community that relate to the love for animals. I feel that my art represents that love. I really relate to animals.”

“I grew up in Tacoma and always wanted a farm,” she continues. “I now have a 5 acre farm and usually everything I enjoy is animal related. They are just so interesting and beautiful. It seems that I always have something to paint.”

kim schult art
Many of Schult’s paintings capture moments of calm at the beach.

Her most successful works are focused on crows and ravens at the beach. “The beach is where I am the most happy,” she says. “(Crows) are so calming and full of life. These birds and ocean scenes seem to speak to not just me but a large subset of people in our community.”

Her art did not reach the forefront of her life until she was older. “I turned 50 and I told myself that I wanted to be in a gallery. I approached my favorite gallery in Cannon Beach, DragonFire Gallery, and they accepted my work. I showed them a few things that I have and the owner was really interested in the ravens. I’ve sold one so far and hope to sell even more.”

kim schult
Schult’s work is on display at DragonFire Gallery in Cannon Beach, Oregon.

As for words of inspiration for other aspiring artists in our area, Schult has a few. “You don’t have to go to school to do what you love. You have to hone in on your skills and decide what is the best way to make those better. Social media is great at giving information on how to start. You can even try to approach artists that you like and many of them are willing to help. The web has really helped to put myself out there while still feeling protected,” she suggests.

“If you love something, pursue it. In the age of computers you can really pursue any of your dreams,” says Schult in summary.

You can see more of Kim Schult’s art work on her website.

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