While searching the *depths* of the internet for Sapphic Artists, I stumbled upon Kim's work and felt compelled to share... On Instagram as @EraEchoPrints you can find a plethora of diverse Sapphic inspired time-period themed imaginings, and support their work at
The gays love a good period piece, and Kim is able to dive into a depth of time and physical diversity using a combination of graphic design and AI, making the art a more unique and even controversial with this newer methodology. Of course I had to ask her more about it...
SM: Can you share some insights into your artistic journey, how you began, how you've evolved as an artist, and how being queer has influenced your work?
Kim: I come from a family of artists. My first experience in graphic design was about 15 years ago. I was in sales and marketing for a commercial printing company. Due to a bad economy and lay offs we no longer had a Graphic Artist. Someone had to do the job, so I sat down in front of a Mac for the first time and figured it out. Turns out I was pretty good at it and I sat in the position for about 6 years. I've loved graphic design ever since.
Working in a commercial setting, I was limited in what I could design and wanted more freedom in design. I moved on to freelance graphic design which was creatively more fulfilling for me.
My love of art, especially vintage pieces, is a big part of my work today. As an older queer woman, I think a lot about how far the LGBTQ community has come and feel incredible gratitude for the men and women in past generations. It breaks my heart to think of how difficult it was to be gay and the ridicule and hardships they faced. So, I craft vintage art with a vision of how things should have been. I envision a more inclusive past. In my own way, it’s a tribute to them.
SM: What is your creative process like, from conceptualization to the finished piece?
Kim: My creative process typically starts with a “Why?” For instance, why isn’t there more interracial sapphic art? I’m bothered by that thought and I feel compelled to create it. If I want to do a vintage inspired piece, I think about how I can put two women in the design and still stay true to the artistic style of the era.
Then, I imagine who the women might have been. Their feelings for each other. Is it romantic, shy, sweet, sensual or erotic? Based on what I’ve visualized, I create a scene in my mind. This is where AI is the perfect tool for me. My imagination is wild and AI allows me to develop my thoughts into a starting image. When I get an image that matches or is close to my vision, I take the image or pieces of the image and bring it into a graphic design program where I repaint, redraw and rework it until I get the final piece.
SM: AI art is controversial, what are your thoughts on the lines of creativity vs computer creation?
Kim: AI is controversial and I think it should be. In my opinion, artists who paint, draw or craft anything with their hands are creating works that will have a higher value because of AI. I believe artists will be more sought out and people will, and should, pay a higher price for that art. My son is a phenomenal portrait artist. My sister creates the coolest, quirkiest pottery. I have immense respect for artists and completely understand the controversy regarding AI. AI can’t replace an original oil painting, the smell of the oils or the talent of the artist who created it. I believe that work will be and should be more respected and expensive as AI becomes more common.
Having said that, I’m not dismissing the talent of digital illustrators or graphic artist. That’s a different craft. I think AI art has its place. Original art is costly, as it should be. AI generated art could be a more affordable option and everyone should have the opportunity to have art in their home.
On the AI topic, If you want to create a single subject head shot or a field of flowers, for example, you could get some great printable AI Art. That’s not what I do. AI is a creative process on its own. I’m creating art with two women, most likely in some sort of sensual position, in a vintage style. AI has limitations especially with anatomy and scale. Most of my AI starting images will have extra fingers, poorly drawn faces, unnatural poses, off scale and so on. You can’t use sexual terms in AI and some of my pieces can be pretty provocative. I have to take the image or pieces of the image and redraw hands, faces, backgrounds to accomplish the piece I envisioned.
SM: Have you faced any challenges that have helped shape your art?
Kim: The biggest challenge for me is trying to fill a gap I see in Sapphic Art. Why aren’t we seeing body positive Sapphic Art? Why aren’t we seeing mixed race couples? Why aren’t we seeing Masc/Femme couples? The questions in my mind are endless. I feel a sense of obligation to make sure we’re represented in art, in all forms, identities and diversities. Bringing inclusion and diversity into sapphic art is what shapes my art today.
SM: How have you seen the queer art landscape transform? Where do you see it heading in the future or would like to see it go?
Kim: I think the queer art landscape is more normalized. Most of the sapphic art I’ve see is overly sexualized, in my opinion. It’s not a good representation of queer love. We’re much more than that and I hope to see more love based sapphic art. I’d like to see interracial sapphic art as well as more ethnic diversity.
SM: Why do you think it’s important for the LGBTQ community, specifically Sapphics, to be represented in the art world?
Kim: I think it’s extremely important for Sapphics to be represented in art because we are and have always been here. We deserve to be represented in art. Queer love is beautiful and it should be seen. We deserve to see art that reflects who we are.
SM: How do you hope your audience responds to your art, and what kind of impact do you aim to make with your work?
Kim: I hope my audience appreciates the diversity in my art. I hope they find something relatable. I hope it makes them feel represented whether it be ethnicity, body type, how they present themselves as queer women or who they are as a couple.
SM: What are your aspirations as an artist in the future? Are there specific projects, themes, or collaborations you hope to explore?
Kim: This is actually a difficult question for me. I feel overwhelmed with the work I’m doing now. There are so many varieties of sapphic couples I’d like to craft and represent in sapphic art. For now, my plan is to continue until I feel I have nothing left to offer. As long as it feels meaningful, I’ll continue on this path.
SM: Any words of wisdom to your younger self?
Kim: Being different means you were born to make a difference. And I’m proud of you.
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