AM Kim, you work in a variety of media, and your drawing skills are very good in all of them. Do you have a preferred medium? Why?
KF Thank you. I prefer pencil drawing and then a close second would be pen & ink wash.. I like the challenge of drawing and the dramatic effect of the ink.

AM You have a large family. How do you find time to work? Are you one of those high-energy, no sleep people?
KF Good question. Right now I'm NOT very high energy, being pregnant, but usually, if I keep moving, I'm ok! Seriously, though, it really isn't the kids that hinder my work. It's ME...my lack of proper scheduling!. When I DO get it right, the kids create right along with me. I expect after the baby comes, things will be a little hectic, but after a few months or so, things should settle down again to the dull roar that is normal for us!

AM What is your philosophy on teaching art to kids?
KF I pretty much set out the materials, explain WHY they can't eat the stuff (to the younger ones, obviously!) and let their imagination dictate what they do. I like to hold off on the "formal" teaching till they are much older and can sit still long enough to concentrate.

AM You do a comic strip for The Goat Magazine. How is that different than doing your full scale drawings and paintings?
KF I no longer do that comic strip...but I must tell you, I find comics MUCH harder than realistic work. I don't know why, but it is!

AM How did you get started doing the strip?
KF I met the woman who originally did the strip thru a goat list she managed. She asked that I help her do the strip in exchange for free advertisement. I couldn't pass up such a great deal, and the rest, as they say, is history! (I've always wanted to say that!!!)

AM Many artist moms struggle to find a balance in their lives between their responsibilities and their passions. Have you found a comfortable balance? If so, how?
KF Unfortunately, I haven't "quite" found it yet...again, it's due to my lack of organizing skills. I am basically a very lazy person, and I tend to put things off....major problem with that is I end up running out of time!!! I AM getting better, the older I get, as I'm learning what is really important and what is "busywork."

AM What is your partner like? What is his involvement in your work?
KF Bill is my biggest fan! He encourages me to do and try all sorts of different mediums. He is also the guy, luckily, who remembers to take photos of all my work.

AM Do you find that as your children get older, your work is easier or more difficult to do on a regular basis?
KF I'd have to say easier, as the 2 teens (2 are on their own!) help out immensely with the 2 youngest. (Where were they when THEY were little? *Grin!*)

AM . Do you have a dedicated studio space? Tell me a bit about your work area.
KF My "studio" space has moved almost as many times as I have! It used to be smack dab in the center of the living room, then it was in the foyer, then an extra bedroom, now it's in the basement. I like it there because I have the toy area in one corner, the washer & dryer in another, and opposite my space is my husband's computer/ TV area. The whole family can hang out, I can get some laundry done, and STILL get some work done! I only wish there was a bathroom & central heating down there.

AM What's the one art "gadget" you can't live without.
KF My drafting table. It was a wedding present from my husband's grandparents.

AM What advice can you give to moms who want to pursue their art seriously?
KF Not to make the mistake I did in thinking my art was just a hobby, and not important enough to be a "real" job. When I was younger, I thought I had to DO something earth shattering to make a difference. My children have benefited from me emphasizing my love of art, they are more creative, spontaneous & appreciate the beauty to be found all around us...and in us!