GYPSET LIFESTYLE : A Glimpse Into the Wanderlust
Discover Kimberly-Lynn Hanson, the formidable artist who demonstrates her extraordinary story telling abilities through charcoal.
GG~ Kimberly..I originally met you through a mutual friend in NY and we became fast friends. I have become one of your biggest fans and adore your beautiful and original work. You have such a signature style in every piece you create. As we both know from our extensive travels, so much of the inspiration artists gain is gathered this way. The sights, sounds, smells and people you encounter on your adventures are integral to your craft. So, I’d like to know, as a Gypsetter, what does travel mean to you?
KLH~ Travel to me is freedom. It’s adventure. It is bravery. I always travel alone, so it is a great way to discover myself. To process new places and unfamiliar people through my own perspective without distraction of a companion is crucial to hearing my own voice. Travel, free of predictable outcome, to me is like a science experiment that can be worked backwards to find the constant which exists throughout every encounter. To rely on no one but yourself is a necessary experience to revealing truth.
GG~ What is your favorite destination and why?
KLH~ The places I have yet to go because the future is exciting.
GG~ Who is or would be your favorite travel companion dead or alive?
KLH~ Ralph Waldo Emerson and Albert Einstein. I really love the grounded, intellectual, yet whimsy way they explored life. I think they were people who don’t recognize the word “no” or the phrase “you can’t do that.” Not in a resistant sort of way, but I feel they would not be constrained by constructed boundaries and would stay positively focused on the adventure …. I think together, we would attract some really eclectic people and well-rounded experiences. I would also look forward to our evening ritual where we would join in the hotel library every night for a night-cap. We would drink one too many a dusty port and discuss the day’s characters and happenings while slowly unravelling the mysteries of the universe…. My over romantic brain is falling in love with all of the quirky trouble we could get into together…. and the terribly nerdy jokes that would be made.
GG~ Preferred form of travel: plane, train, automobile, boat or spaceship?
KLH~ I have yet to travel via train, boat, or spaceship. So I can’t give you a properly informed answer to that question. But from my heart and from my imagination, I would say a boat. More of a ship really. A big one. And a long journey. The vision of being in the middle of a vast night’s sea with weeks or months ahead of and behind me, fully encapsulates my idea of true adventure. It is a timeless, bold, and challenging way to travel. I believe a lot of really beautiful thoughts would be available…. plus, think of the outfits!
GG~ Other than money, what is your must have item when traveling?
KLH~ Books. Right now my travel companion is Ralph Waldo Emerson: “A Critical Edition of his Major Works”. I bought it used . I love buying books that are considered just barely “acceptable” on the scale of the resale standards. I love rich, tattered corners and tea stained pages. This particular book has had at least 3 owners, I can tell by the different notes and styles of underlining. I enjoy the varying view points, interests, and criticisms, all contributions from its previous lovers. I know they were lovers or haters. None the less, someone captivated with something more than palatable entertainment as a motive to turn each page, because this book is not a simple read. Most of it was written in the mid to late 1800’s. Emerson speaks poetically, almost in code, which make is easy to slowly savour every sentence and dwell on its metaphors while gazing out moving windows or while deconstructing the lines in a stranger’s face. I have been reading this same book for almost a year now, and am not even 3/8 through. I like holding the life of this book. I am enjoying the responsibility of appreciating its existence; showing it places it has already been, but in a contrasting time, surrounded by a different collective consciousness. I like being a part of it’s life, and it being a part of mine. – Where next Emerson, where next? – Oh, I have some ideas …… some grand, grand ideas …..
GG~ Yes I love Emerson’s work as well. When I first began reading his books in high school, I was immediately drawn to the significance of the Transcendental movement being led by Emerson and Thoreau. It resonated with me, and I was struck by the quote “Its not the destination, it’s the journey” from his book Self-Reliance. It is such a powerful statement that I carry with me everyday.
Take a moment to vote for Kimberly Lynn-Hanson to win the opportunity to have a solo exhibition in Paris. Click on the link http://kimberly-lynnhanson.see.me/atp2013 to help get her there!
Happy Gypsetting!
A selection of Hanson’s work
