Kim Knoll
Kim Knoll’s work addresses the universal human desire to find moments of peace in a chaotic world, both externally and within ourselves. Inspired by nature's tranquility, she draws from sensory memories that bring her calm and joy, transforming personal reflections into visual meditations. Her process balances intention and spontaneity, mirroring the tension between control and surrender. She lets water and pigment lead the way to create unexpected textures and unique forms that surprise even her. This practice is a testament to her philosophy that beauty and peace often emerge when she lets go of control and embraces uncertainty, leading to a sense of liberation as she creates. Each piece is an invitation to pause, reflect, and find solace, acknowledging that while we cannot control the noise around us, we can cultivate calm within ourselves.
Kim Knoll is an abstract painter living in Wicker Park, with her studio in Humboldt Park. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Visual Communications from Northern Illinois University. For most of her career, she was deeply rooted in the digital world as a brand designer working within the confines of precision and order, including over a decade at Knoed, a design studio she cofounded. Life took an unexpected turn when she experimented with watercolors for a branding project, igniting a spark in her that she didn’t know existed, like it had been waiting for her all along. What began as a personal passion evolved into her full-time focus, transforming her approach to creativity and putting her on a new path. Painting became her way to embrace imperfection, rediscover the joy of working with raw materials, and return to her artistic roots. Her background in graphic design has had a noticeable influence on her artistic style and creative process, bringing a unique perspective to her abstract work. Some of her most notable work can be found in The Ritz-Carlton Hotels & Yacht Collection, Waldorf Astoria Hotels, Four Season Hotels, JW Marriott Hotels, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, CB2 and Crate & Barrel.
Visit www.wickerparkbucktown.com to view more art around WPB.
