Kim Kermode: Exploring Heritage Through Art and Nature
Kim Kermode is a Montreal-born artist now residing in Melbourne, whose work serves as a profound journey of self-discovery, particularly as she explores her complex Caribbean heritage from her mother's side. Born to a Martiniquan mother, Kim has always been captivated by the confidence and cultural richness she observed in people of color. However, her connection to this part of her identity was fragmented, and growing up in Canada left her yearning to learn more about her roots. This quest for belonging and understanding has shaped much of her artistic journey.
From an early age, Kim was fascinated by how people of color moved through the world with such strength and presence, yet she grappled with her own relationship to colorism and identity. “My mom moved to Canada from Martinique when she was ten years old, and her stories of life there always intrigued me. But it felt like a distant part of myself I couldn’t quite access,” Kim reflects. “I only visited Martinique once, and my memories of the landscape and people are hazy, blurred with what I see in media and hear from others.”
As a result, her work became a bridge—a way for her to explore and connect with her Caribbean heritage in ways that transcend physical borders. This exploration isn’t just intellectual or emotional; it’s deeply embedded in her creative practice. Through her art, Kim connects with her Martiniquan ancestry, engaging in conversations with her extended family, especially her aunts and cousins who stayed in Martinique longer. “I started reaching out to my family back home. Talking with them helped me piece together aspects of my identity that felt lost to me while growing up in Canada,” she says. These familial ties, stories, and her artistic process all began to coalesce into something deeply personal and meaningful. Her paintings reflect the vibrant culture she continues to rediscover.
When it comes to her medium, Kim predominantly works with acrylics, drawn to their versatility and the wide range of techniques they allow her to explore. "I love using acrylic because there's so much you can do with it," she explains. "I've experimented with acrylic skins and layering them over different textures, adding dimension to my paintings. It’s been really exciting to push the boundaries with what I can do." She also incorporates aerosol sprays into her work, using it to add depth or create transparency in her pieces, lending her art a multidimensional feel. Kim’s love for nature also influences her artwork, and it’s not just a superficial element but an integral part of her storytelling.
“I’ve always found a deep connection with nature and places untouched by human hands. It’s a place where I can reflect and discover new things about myself,”
This connection to the natural world ties into her passion for environmental conservation. A supporter of organizations like the Dolphin Project, she weaves these themes into her work in subtle but powerful ways. “I incorporate nature into my paintings to support the narrative of my subjects. It’s not meant to overpower the work but to enhance it.”
In Melbourne, Kim works out of a shared studio space called The Arts Hole, which has both its benefits and challenges. “It can get pretty social in there,” she laughs. “I’m naturally a social person, so I enjoy it, but it can also be distracting. At the same time, working in a shared space helps me separate my personal life from my creative practice. If I didn’t have the studio, I’d probably never leave the house.”
For Kim, the process of creating art has been an avenue for personal growth and healing. Through her work, she’s not only explored her Caribbean identity but has also connected with extended family members in new and meaningful ways. “I reconnected with a cousin in France during this journey, and we still talk often,” she shares. “This experience has taught me that many people have a similar confusion about their heritage, especially when living in Western societies. Art gave me a way to untangle those feelings and find a sense of belonging.”
Through her journey, Kim Kermode’s art continues to evolve, weaving together her heritage, her passion for nature, and her personal exploration of identity into a body of work that is as reflective as it is visually striking.
Learn more about Kim’s work by following her journey here. For any questions regarding our upcoming event Palette & Palate, send us an email at info@auctionforchange.com