Oil on canvas,
Signed by the artist
2011

Kim Baker’s paintings evoke an inner world, but also work with the tangible, visceral qualities of oil paint. They explore an inner dimension where organic images and forms can be twisted and subverted. Caravaggio is a big influence for Kim Baker particularly his use of chiaroscuro (light and dark).

Over time both deliberate and accidental mark making gives each of the paintings its own unique space and rhythm. Baker works with a layering process where paint is repeatedly applied and then rubbed off. This normally starts with a previously existing work which she slowly covers and re-forms, until only fragments of the original can be seen through the layers. Baker’s current works have evolved from paintings she has completed a few years ago, starting with the Mandrake from the film Pans Labyrinth.

Over the last couple of years Baker has been working on a series of paintings titled Dark Gardens, which explore a world of enchanted fairytale gardens. Baker’s recent work has continued to investigate the notion of a magical landscape where plantlike organic forms appear and disappear from view. She has also drawn inspiration from the work of the Dutch Masters, reworking their floral arrangements. This gives a sense of history and depth to the paintings, counter-balancing their mysterious otherworldly feel. Baker has always been interested in the tales of King Arthur, Merlin and The Sword of Excalibur hence her ongoing paintings of magical landscapes and gardens.

Growing up in Wales Kim Baker received inspiration from the stories, films and plays of the Mabinogion, which is the title for a series of 11 prose stories collated from medieval Welsh manuscripts. The tales are about historical traditions/myths and come in 2 books: The White Book of Rydderch 1375 and The Red Book of Hergest 1400.

Baker has a BA Hons Fine Art degree from Birmingham University and has appeared in several group exhibitions in London as well as being featured in Art Monthly Magazine and Time Out London.