Collection: Kim Haskins

I was born in 1981 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. During my school years, I was recognized as the class artist, frequently drawing in my classmates' exercise books, creating posters for school productions, and designing t-shirts, among other artistic endeavours. I have a particular affinity for cats, as I share my home with two moggies who tend to remain uncomfortably close to me and my wet paint while I am engaged in my work. I also find joy in discovering beauty and amusement in everyday objects; for instance, jam captivates me with its rich colours and varying degrees of transparency and viscosity, making it a delightful challenge to capture its essence on canvas.

A subtle humour permeates the subjects of my artwork, evident in the frenetic expressions of my chickens and the vacant stares of my exceedingly fluffy cats. Even a two-foot square painting of a doughnut can evoke a sense of absurdity. However, humor does not equate to a lack of depth; I believe that art should elicit emotions, and I aspire for my work to bring joy to its viewers. Ultimately, my goal is for people to experience happiness when they observe my creations. I find that colour captivates me more than any other element—more than form or subject matter. 

The impact of colour on my mood is significant, and I confess to becoming somewhat obsessive about colour combinations, often dedicating considerable time to experimenting with various shades. I am fortunate to have access to a picturesque environment for inspiration when I seek a connection with the outside world. My work typically continues until around 6 PM, at which point I shift my focus to dinner or preparing for an outing with friends, often in London. Frequently, I find myself working late into the evening, particularly when I have a substantial amount to accomplish or when my perfectionist tendencies resurface. Fortunately, my passion for my work means I never complain about the extra hours.