Meet CCS Art Faculty Kim Garcia
CCS Art Faculty Kim Garcia reflects on her first quarter at CCS, her artistic processes, and interdisciplinary goals for the future
Art has been a guiding force in CCS Art Faculty Kim Garcia’s life from a young age, shaping her path from a blossoming undergraduate student at UC San Diego’s Visual Arts Studio to a seasoned artist with a decade of professional exhibits under her belt. Now, as the newest CCS Art Faculty member, Kim reflects on her first quarter here at CCS, her artistic inspirations and processes, as well as her aspirations for interdisciplinary exploration and growth.
College of Creative Studies (CCS): Can you share a little bit about your background?
Kim Garcia (KG): I was born and raised in San Diego, but I currently live in Los Angeles. I did my undergrad at UC San Diego in the Visual Arts Studio and received my MFA from UC Irvine. Although Art has been a prominent focus in my life since an early age, I have exhibited professionally for over ten years.
My journey in the art world has been multifaceted. Beyond creating my Art, I've delved into various roles, including working in galleries and museums, directing art fairs and residencies, and organizing artist-run communities. Additionally, I've lent my expertise to assisting and managing established artists in their studio practices.
While I've embraced diverse roles in the art sphere, my primary focus now lies in nurturing my own artistic endeavors and fostering community initiatives that complement my creative journey.
CCS: What drew you to Art?
“Art drew me in as a visual language that gave a presence to things that were nonverbal or too complicated to describe with words. It was a way of navigating and processing the complexities within communities, caregiving, and preserving forgotten narratives.”
—Kim Garcia, CCS Art Faculty
KG: My art practice feels a bit archeological because in the act of making it facilitates a continuous journey of learning and discovery.
CCS: How did you find out about and get involved with CCS?
KG: I've been teaching at the College of Letters and Sciences for the past two years, and I really enjoy working with the students at UC Santa Barbara. So, when I saw an opening at the CCS, I was excited to apply since it seemed a bit more interdisciplinary and invited new approaches to teaching and learning—something I feel very passionate about. Although I live in Los Angeles, the commute to Santa Barbara feels worth it, and I'm excited to be a connector for our students transitioning into the LA art community.
CCS: What do you find compelling about CCS?
“When I first visited CCS, I could tell that this program was full of passion.”
—Kim Garcia, CCS Art Faculty
KG: CCS's approach to devising individualized study plans for its students to take risks and expand their research was really compelling. It incites agency and empowers students to make meaningful connections and innovations in the major and field they're passionate about. I'm excited for more opportunities to work with the students and create courses that push their practices further.
CCS: What is a stand out moment during your time at CCS so far?
KG: I've only been with CCS for a quarter, but I would say that the Mid-Residency Reviews of our CCS Art Majors have really stood out to me. Witnessing the dedication of each of our third-year students' art practices, techniques, and thoughtful conversations has blown me away. It made me excited to be a part of their creative journey.
CCS: What do you look forward to most or hope to accomplish within the Art major?
KG: One of the things I get excited about is working with students who will be developing innovative works that contribute to discussions in the field of Art.
“I aspire to create courses that expand the language surrounding their works of Art through formal critique courses, connect students to practitioners in Los Angeles, and foster interdisciplinary thinking by integrating Art with fields outside of the art community.”
—Kim Garcia, CCS Art Faculty
Please join us in welcoming Kim to the CCS community! For those interested in learning more about Kim’s artistic process, enjoy this brief video interview.