Artist in conversation: OLAAT ART
“ Patience is the key to a lot of things in life, including the work of this artwork.”
Kimberley Ferguson, a visionary artist with over two decades immersed in the world of abstract art, has crafted a distinctive and meditative approach known as OLAAT Art—One Line At A Time. Kimberley's process involves filling in colors with intricate precision, creating mesmerizing patterns that evoke both patience and serenity. This meticulous method transforms each brushstroke into a journey, making OLAAT Art not just a visual experience but a therapeutic ritual.
Born with an innate love for creativity, Kimberley pursued academic excellence alongside her artistic endeavors, earning an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Information Technology. Her educational background provides a unique perspective, blending analytical thinking with boundless creativity.
Kimberley’s work gained widespread recognition when she was selected as one of 40 visionary artists for the prestigious Visions in Black 2023 art exhibition in Sarasota, Florida. This accolade, coupled with the heartfelt comments from admirers, served as a profound realization for Kimberley. It became clear that her true passion lies in the delicate dance of lines and colors, the tranquil flow of OLAAT Art.
For Kimberley, OLAAT Art is more than a creative outlet—it’s a sanctuary. Each piece is a testament to her belief in the power of patience and the beauty of intentionality. Through her art, Kimberley invites viewers to slow down, breathe deeply, and discover the calming essence that flows One Line At A Time.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I initially began OLAAT Art in 1994. A friend taught me how to create shell-like objects. Once the shells were drawn, she would color in between each individual shell with a solid color. I began doing the same as she did. One day, just out of the blue, I simply began drawing clusters of lines. I said to my friend “Look at the way I'm doing it. Why don't you try it?” Her response was, “No. I'm going to do it my way.” So, I said, “OK, then. I'll do it my way.” And that's how I began coloring One Line At A Time (OLAAT).
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
I may turn on some relaxing music to get into the drawing mood. Once the mood arrives, I just go from there. While in the mood, I really have to force myself to stop to give my fingers time to rest and most importantly, to get some sleep.
Can you describe the inspiration behind the creation of OLAAT Art and how it evolved over the past 25 years?
I began drawing with clusters of five or six lines and eventually shortened them to three lines per cluster. Overtime, they became more uniform and precise. I continued with the shells and eventually experimented in coloring pattern designs with the clusters of lines. I would see a pattern design, draw it out, and color it One Line At A Time (OLAAT). As time went on, I began actual pictures of items and objects. Once I became better, I challenged myself by utilizing two different colors in a cluster and not just a single color. This is what I call a ‘Switch Pen’ design. Draw a line, switch pen colors; draw another line; switch back to the first color. It became a challenge, but the outcome was breath-taking. Finally within the last 5 years, I have moved up to switching with three pen colors. These pictures amazes people even more by being unique and challenging. Patience is the key.
What challenges do you face when working on an OLAAT Art piece, especially the more complex 'Switch Pen' designs?
It may sound a little strange, but a challenge I face when working on a 'Switch Pen' design is to not drop a pen. Working at a steady pace can cause this accident to occur. All it entails is accidentally dropping the pen tip first onto the paper, and having an unwanted line form. 9 times out of 10, I am unable to fix or hide it. If I am unable to correct it, then it will be time to start the picture over. This has happened numerous times and can be even more difficult with switching with three pens, steady pace or normal.
Can you share a particular project or photograph that stands out to you and explain the creative process behind it?
The picture that stands out to me is titled 'Anger & Sorrow'. I began having epileptic seizures after I graduated from college. I was home bound for a number of years and being looked after by my mother. One day, in 2004, my ex-boyfriend was driving me home and I began having a seizure (complex partial) in his car. I blinked my eyes and I noticed him looking at me; I blinked my eyes again and he and my mom were helping me out of his car at my house; I blinked one last time and I was sitting on my bed with my artwork in front of me, pen in my hand working on a picture with my ex-boyfriend on the phone. I came to and focused on the picture realizing I had been working on it during my blackout seizure; no mistakes made. Next thing I hear, he says, 'I don't want to be with you anymore.' I said, 'What!' While saying that I accidently made a darker line where the line was to go. He said, 'Yes. It is because of your seizures.' Then, a teardrop fell out of my eye, landing on the picture smearing some of the lines. After he said that, we hung up and that was the end. To me, after seeing the smear and darkened line, my picture was ruined. Although I had made it so far, I wasn't going to complete it. My mother motivated me to finish it and share to story behind that picture. Now, when showing my art portfolio to others, I tell my story of 'Anger & Sorrow'. But...that was the past. Now, I created another picture with the same layout but different colors, titled, 'Happiness and Joy'.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I will take what others say into thought. I have learned, if it can be done, then it can; if not, do not stress over it. Simply take what is being said and move on. I remember someone suggested me going back to school and majoring in art. I mentioned I have a business degree and I am happy with it, but what would it entail? I was told I would learn how to paint, draw, and do other type if work like everyone else. I thought about what was said and realized that was a good idea, but I will pass. I do not paint and I only draw what comes to me from time to time. For me, if everyone is doing the same thing, I turn the opposite direction and do what I prefer and what makes me happy.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I have always been motivated by my mother. I am proud of her achievements in life and I'm thankful she has always been there for me whenever needed. As mentioned before, an issue I had in my life were my years of epileptic seizures. After 6 and a half years of the setback, the doctors finally realized a brain surgery is what I would need to rid my seizures. They had informed me that it could possibly effect my speech, cognitive behavior, and memory, along with my niche in life; my art. I was hesitant and turned them down. But when I continued with the medical problem, I ultimately agreed to surgery. The surgery did omit my seizures, but as mentioned, my speech was impaired, cognitive behavior affected, short-term memory was bad, along with the desire to do art. Two years had passed without my art. Once again, my mother motivated me and continuously stayed on me about getting back into my work. It was a gradual process, like everything in life is. But, thanks to her, I'm back and doing much better, in my artwork and with my life.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I feel extremely honored about exhibiting my artwork with The Holy Art Gallery. Being selected has lifted my head up and opened my eyes into a realization that I can actually do something with my artwork. Many people over the years would tell me they like my work and it is unique, but being recognized by a well known gallery has made me realize that I can actually do something with my work. This is 'real' beginning of OLAAT Art.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My ultimate goal will be to allow my art to be my 'full-time' job and to create even more pictures I will be proud of. This is something I truly enjoy doing. I have found that being an artist and doing this type of art allows me to tune out the negative and focus mainly on the positive. It may not seem like a form of stress relief, but it is mine and it is something that ultimately makes me happy.
Another goal of mine is to present more of my work into other art shows wherever I can be accepted, to meet more people, and to see more of the world. Over the last few years, I began to open up more in talking about me and my artwork. I see it as a start of a new beginning to another chapter of my life. Everything is brought into ones life for a reason. This door to this chapter of my life has opened. What is on the other side is still unknown at this moment. But I will take things one step at a time to receive the ultimate achievement: To be successful with OLAAT Art.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Many of my pictures have been created through various feelings and emotions I had gone through now and over the years. Now that I am doing well and my life has changed for the better, I see the differences in my work and the stories behind the pictures. So when others look at my portfolio and I speak about specific pictures, the stories brings smiles to others; which then, brings a smile to me.
