Painting my culture...
My name is Kim and I am the artist behind Peachy Cheek art.
The name peachy cheek is a nickname I was given. When I first started selling my artwork here on Etsy, I wasn't selling Day of the Dead art, I was selling "sweeter" art and a variety of other things. My love for day of the dead always existed, but I never thought to sell it, but the day came where I decided to list one and it evolved from there.
My art pieces are influenced by my culture and the many cultures that surround me. I am particularly inspired by Frida and Dia de los Muertos.
I love making skull heads and decorating them for Dia de los Muertos.
Day of the Dead is a special occasion in many different cultures. It has a strong impact in my life. It is thought that on this day those who have passed away come to visit. Marigolds have a strong connection to the dead. It is said that if you leave a trail of them from the grave to your home the spirit will follow you back. The day is not a day of mourning, but a day of celebration. Celebrating life.
When I make the skulls out of resin, paper mache, wood, plaster and other materials, I spend a lot of time with them, during that time I get to know them, and decide their personality and get to paint them to reflect it. During that entire time I spend with them I think about life and death. It has provided me deep reflections on how I have lived my life and how I live my life everyday. I do as much as I can not to take each day for granted. To cherish my loved ones. To find adventures and smiles in everything I do, see, eat, and experience.
I believe we should not be afraid of skulls. To many they represent death. Some people have seen my artwork, and truly become offended by it. I will never forget a show I was in, and a woman was absolutely horrified by my decorated sugar skulls. She said I should be "ashamed of myself". I explained to her that they were not real skulls, and explained the significance. But she was ready to hang me. She yelled at me, and spoke about religion and all sorts of things for reasons why they should not be made. She told the fair creators that I should not be there and that I should not be invited back. I was shocked, surprised, and hurt. It wasn't so much that she was scared by the skulls, that I can understand : ) It was her unwillingness to try to understand another culture, an art, a way someone expresses themselves with art. I had never experienced anything like that in my life, but it definitely had me take a step back. My art isn't for everyone. I don't do shows anymore with my art, but I do love that I can sell them online and reach people near and far.
When I sell a piece of art, I can't believe it. I am full of gratitude and so grateful that someone loves something I created. It's a such an amazing feeling. I love it. I love creating and I love sharing what I do.
