Kim has supported nature conservation throughout her life, through monetary contributions, art donations for fund raisers, volunteer work, and employment with a variety of conservation organizations. She currently supports The Peregrine Fund, Alaska Raptor Center, and the conservation efforts of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators not to mention volunteering to assist the AFC.

Growing up in Sitka, Alaska shaped Kim's independent, adventurous, and inquisitive personality.  This small, remote island community nestled in abundant wilderness cultivated a strong appreciation for nature. After receiving a degree in biology and chemistry from Western Washington University ,she worked as a chemist for the timber industry. Unable to fit into corporate America, Kim volunteered with the US Peace Corps.  Teaching science in a small village in the inhospitable Kalahari Desert of Africa gave her the adventure she craved and helped her grasp the importance of following her passion.

"I have been an avid bird enthusiast from my earliest memories. Upon my return to the USA, I focused my efforts on blending my career with my passion for birds. I worked closely with birds as an ornithologist, bird trainer, rehabilitator, and environmental educator with the Alaska Raptor Center, The Peregrine Fund and, as an independent consultant.

I utilize my intimate knowledge of birds to represent them in my paintings. I prefer to work in transparent oils, and build layers of primary colors to develop form and achieve rich, multifaceted hues in my paintings. My intent is to spark the viewer's interest in birds through compelling compositions, evoked emotions and emphasizing particular attributes. I feel my paintings are another opportunity to share my passion for birds and to educate the public.”

As an avid birder she finds getting out into the field is a great opportunity to witness the complexity and beauty of nature. She enjoys traveling, training birds for public education and rehab protocols, and rehabilitating orphaned, sick, and injured birds for release to the wild. She also enjoys guiding trips both locally and abroad. She also teaches classes and workshops for artists and bird watchers. Kim volunteered for the AFC festival in November and let a field trip of members to the Reifel Wildlife Refuge near Vancouver.

"My passion for birds is strong, so I strive to meld all facets of my life around birds, whether I am painting, conducting biologic work, teaching, or traveling.  Besides art, I participate in an assortment of avian field research projects, teach ornithology and bird identification classes, guide field trips both locally and abroad. Currently, I am focusing on creating avian art that teaches the viewer something about birds.  One of my favorite subjects is the feather.  Sensuous Neckline received second place at the 2011 Women Artists of the West annual exhibit, and shows the large, delicate feathers on the flamingo's back as well as accentuates the curvature of the long neck.  Feather color captivates me.  Amazon Beauty and Mag-pious Council display some of the techniques I use to represent how feathers absorb or reflect light to manifest iridescence and color.

My scientist side wants to get up close and study every detail of the bird.  The Larger Than Life series allows me to take liberties to produce enormous birds or to focus on a section of the bird that I am interested in highlighting.  Although, the Scintillant Hummingbird is small within the painting, Master of His Domain, the painted bird is many time larger than its real size.  Mr. Red Breast depicts the bust of an American Robin.  Busts portray regal and powerful subjects.  The male robin is a heroic fighter, devoted mate, and beautiful, athletic specimen deserving of a bust.

Working this closely with birds allows me to study their behavior, anatomy, and individual personalities.  The complexity of the avian world amazes and moves me.  The beautiful feather patterns, gentle strength, unique adaptations, and enlightening behaviors of birds inspire my art.  I yearn to spark the viewer's interest in birds through compelling compositions that evoke emotions and a sense of awe. My personal mission is to bring bird appreciation to every household through art, education, and excursions."