Inspired by life Kimberly Bustillos' art features colorful paintings of people, children, still lives, and landscapes expressed in rich textures. Originally from Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, Bustillos appreciates the beauty and energy unique to Alaska. Captivated by people, their culture and history, Bustillos feels fortunate to have the opportunity to express feelings through art.
Now residing in Wasilla, Alaska with her husband and three kids Bustillos has become an active member of the Alaskan art community. Her work can be found in art collections from Alaska to Mexico and across the U.S.
From humble beginnings
I was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I'd say the next six years where a random blur of moving from one place to another. Wherever the work was good (parents did drywall). If I remember right it went from New Mexico, Mexico, Oregon, Idaho, California to Utah where it really started to get interesting. At the age of six my parents got divorced. Shortly after getting sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS church. Time and all eternity only lasts a few months appearently.
So off we got shipped to Mexico to live with cousins for a few months. In the mean time my Dad moved to Seattle, while my mom moved to Colorado City, Arizona. After a couple months of life in good ol' Mexico my dad came to rescue us and took us up to Seattle. A few months later my Mom reclaimed us and we moved to Colorado City. Where shortly after our arrival she married my step Dad as a second wife (she became part of a big fundamental mormon group).
Soon after the first wife tried to commit suicide ( I say tried because she did, but ended up in a comma until she died two years later instead). The next eight years of my life where spent mostly living with my Mom, with a few months here and there in Denver, Colorado with my Dad. I was one of the younger kids (number 4 out of 5) so I stayed with my mom the majority of the time while my sisters flew the coop to live with my Dad. My Mom and step dad had more of a love-hate relationship so we spent our years jumping back and forth from Colorado City, AZ- St. George, UT- and Apple Valley, UT. Though I didn't think it then, my time in Colorado City was very beneficial.
Yes, fundamental mormons may seem like a rough bunch, but I did learn a lot and built some amazing friendships. And Colorado City is where, even at such a young age, I experienced first hand and saw in those around me repressed emotions that I so deeply want to express in my paintings. Being around so many people, especially women, trying to pull off "the bestest mother and wife in town" while living under the demanding and strict regulations of polygamy really got me into art. I mean really, evan as a kid, you can only see so many women with a big smile and on the verge of tears at the grocery store without feeling something.
The human condition to me is an amazing thing. There is so much pain, hurt and misery in the world but despite everything people still strive to make the most of life and find happiness. I hope to be able to express in my paintings what people need to show. Be it happiness, sadness, or anything that they themselves can't rightfully express.
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Exhibitions
2009 Make-A-Scene feature artist and solo exhibit
2009 Valley Arts Alliance Iditarod Group Exhibit, Dorothy Page Museum, Wasilla, Alaska
2009 Solo exhibit Pandemonium Wasilla, Alaska
2009 Valley Arts Alliance group exhibit, featured artist, and demonstrator. Alaska State Fair, Alaska
2009 Exhibit with Talya Johnson, Primrose Gallery, Wasilla, Alaska
2009 Exhibit with Talya Johson, MetLife Building, Anchorage, Alaska
Awards/Memberships
2008 Alaska State Fair Best of Show, First Place, Division Champion in Art, Palmer Alaska
2009 through present Valley Arts Alliance
2009 through present Valley Fine Arts Association
2009 Associate Member of Oil Painters of America
Skills
Fine art painting and portraiture in oils, acrylic, and egg tempera.
Illustration and rendering in various mediums including pen and ink.
Creative wood working, cutting and manipulating. Including the application of stains and glazes.
Gold, silver and copper gilding.
Published Articles About the Artist
2009 March edition of Make-A-Scene Magazine
2009 October Frontiersman Newspaper
2009 October Anchorage Daily News
Companies
Art De Bustillos Owner. Duties include building and maintaing a body of work, advertising, promoting, and extensive research.
Ultimate Drywall LLC Co- Owner. Duties include book keeper, payroll managing and accounting, logistics tasks manager, job site coordinator.
