KIM FORD KITZ

I live and work in an area surrounded by the Point Reyes National Seashore where I am used to long nature walks and fresh clean air. Since the pandemic and subsequent shutdowns began, I was fortunate to have an art studio only five minutes from home to work in. I worked long hours there and experimented with some new painting techniques.

Wild fires have ignited the State of California. The Westward Fire in the Point Reyes area is still smoldering. This fire was caused by an unusual lightening storm and it crept very close to where I live. Never before have I ever had to consider what I must pack with me to flee from my home. No structures were destroyed though thanks to the great efforts of the firefighters and favorable weather conditions.

As hard as all of this has been, I can't help to think that some good may emerge from all this biological havoc. It may serve as a wake up call to all humans on the planet that we must change the way we treat our resources. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the more we alter the climate, the more the planet will respond in ways guaranteed to endanger human life and property.

Kim Ford Kitz grew up near the beach in Southern California and now lives in Marin County. Her love of the west coast comes through in her lush landscapes in oil, inspired by renowned Bay Area artists like Richard Diebenkorn, Wayne Thiebaud, David Park and Joan Brown. 

Kim studied painting and drawing at the San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. Besides her studio work, she’s designed theatrical sets for the San Anselmo Playhouse, Ross Valley Players, Marin and Inverness Shakespeare Companies. She has had solo exhibitions at Seager Gray Gallery and in group shows throughout California.