Art
K
imberly Forness Wilson is
a multi-talented artist,
singer, and inventor from
Maui, Hawaii and Grand
Forks, North Dakota. In
addition to having an accomplished
art career she presents a variety
of creativity workshops to help
people in recovery, individuals with
mental challenges, children with
special needs, and at-risk youth.
The artist derives enormous
satisfaction in teaching others,
“how to tap into the creative
force which is within all of us.”
or five years Wilson has been
presenting “Mental Health Art
Tribe”, a workshop designed for
artists dealing with mental health
issues. She takes pride in the fact
that her students have received
several awards including the
Mayor’s Choice Award and her
group has received the keys to the
city of Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Prior to becoming a full-time artist
Wilson enjoyed many ye ars in the
theater and choir, until 2003
when her life as a singer took
a sudden turn.
She explains, “I turned my head and
had a freak accident and fractured
my skull. This resulted in the loss
of my singing voice and required
surgery and years of therapeutic
recovery. To distract me from the
pain my mother encouraged me to
begin painting. The act of being
creative set my mind on a clear
path to healing.”
Wilson has adopted a positive
attitude about having to give up
a career in the theater and states
philosophically, “The lesson is clear
for me. A tragedy has become a
gift that I am privileged to share.”
While many individuals might
view her experience as a fatality,
Wilson views it as being given an
opportunity to grow. The artist has
written, “Accepting the challenge
of the chaos of pain and turning
it into a meaningful, creative
experience... this is the basic
assignment of life on earth.”
Wilson’s musical talent as a singer
and songwriter is re ected in her
ebullient semi-abstract paintings
in watercolors and acrylic that
radiate a symphony of color,
movement and uidity. s the
artist states, “There is frequently
an inner musical accompaniment so
I move between art, lyric and song.
It is an ecstatic experience and I
hope it translates to the viewer.”
She explains, “I let myself fall into
a color or a shape or a line and
follow its natural evolution. I try
not to have a preconceived notion
but act as observer to the natural
course of the color and shape of
the piece. I believe it is important
to be open to discovery as this is
the door through which inspiration
slips in.”
Kimberly
Forness Wilson,
Miss Tako’s
raordi ar
Day, watercolor
a d i ed edia
Her unique artistic expression is
a balance between sophisticated
lyricism and childlike spontaneity.
With unfiltered imagination she
creates fanciful compositions that
are adorned with animal and sea
creatures that seem to emerge
from folklore and fairy tales.
Inspiration for Wilson’s art
originates from nature, music
and dreams in addition to her
cultural in uences that include
Scandinavian, Native American,
Hawaiian and Asian.
er whimsical paintings offer
a respite and escape from
the confines of reality, pain
and suffering.
Wilson’s art is in many private
and public collections throughout
the world — from Saudi Arabia
to the Hawaiian Islands,
including Rochester’s
Ronald McDonald House.
She is the recipient of numerous
awards including the NoVac’s
“Artist of the Year” Award. She
also received the Dawn Bonner
Professional Award from Consumer
Family Network for her healing
art work with adults in mental
health recovery.
Her artwork has been exhibited
in many galleries primarily in
Minnesota and North Dakota. It has
been featured in many publications
and was on the cover of Woman’s
Day Eating Light magazine.
Wilson is also a Featured Artist
in the Manhattan Arts International
curated Art Program, based in New
York, NY.
One of Wilson’s most popular
workshops is titled “Healthy Living
Through Art”, designed to assist
participants -- from children to
adults -- in exploring their health
and wellness through weekly art
projects. She also presents “Joy
of Art” for individuals and groups
Kimberly
Forness Wilson,
Animagination,
watercolor and
gouache on
paper
several times each year and
co-creates healing works of
art with other artists.
She emphasizes, “There is a rich
part of our artist community
that remains unseen due to the
challenges one must deal with
that accompany mental illness.
All these people need are materials
and opportunity and the rich
treasures of this group are readily
and at last seen.”
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Wilson reminds us that sometimes
a devastating loss or illness might
also serve as a monumental turning
point in one’s life. Fueled by
compassion she is on a mission
to share her creativity and make
a difference in the lives of many
individuals who are struggling with
physical and mental challenges.
Visit Kimberly Forness Wilson’s
website at
www.kimberlyfornesswilson.com