The amount of people that work in Science Fiction and Fantasy publishing is actually much smaller than many people would think. Everybody knows everybody else one way or another. Either through some convention, or a workshop, or a friend of a friend. It is a surprisingly tight knit community.
As a result, this genre fosters a very deep sense of camaraderie. I know it’s cliché to say, but I really do think of my peers as family.
These are the people with whom we share our passions, our trials, our failures, and our hopes. These are the people who are the very first to pat you on the back and congratulate you when you make a piece of art that’s the best you’ve ever made. These are the people who are eager to lend a hand or a critical eye when you’re doubting your abilities and need it most. These are the people whose opinions we hold most dear, and without whom this job wouldn’t be nearly as rewarding.
I am so sorry to say, that we lost a member of that family yesterday. Kimberly Kincaid passed away suddenly due to unexpected kidney complications.
Anyone who has met Kim knows I’m not exaggerating in the least when I say that she was truly one of the most loving people I’ve ever met. Every word from her mouth, and every smile she gave you, exuded kindness and sincerity. There was a spark in Kim. Something intangible that I can’t quite put into words. But it shone so brightly, and so warmly, that you couldn’t help but to want to be close to it. I can’t help but feel that this world is going to be a little bit dimmer without Kim in it.
Kim was a talented artist, and a life-long student. She began pursuing art quite late in life, and did so with a fervor and determination that all of her peers admired. She was proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. A few years ago, Kim won the ‘Rising Stars‘ award here on Muddy Colors. She received free exhibition space at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live, where, at the age of 60, she sold her very first piece of original art.
In just the few short years since then, Kim went on to make a name for herself as one of the most promising illustrators in the field. She has been included in Spectrum, Imagine FX Magazine, and has been accepted into the Society of Illustrators West Annual Exhibition. She was included in the Women of Wonder art book, contributed monthly to Every Day Original, and most recently was selected to be part of the ‘Dream Covers‘ exhibition at Krab Jab Gallery.
I can’t say enough good things about Kim. And even if I did, they wouldn’t come close to capturing what a beautiful person she really was. So instead, I will say this… Kim is genuinely one of the most lovely people I’ve ever had the pleasure of getting to know. She is leaving a hole in the hearts of so many people that simply can not be filled by anyone else. She will be dearly, dearly missed.
If you’re lucky enough to have met Kim, I encourage you to share your memories of her in our comments section.
You can see more of Kim’s work at: www.artbykimkincaid.com
Or, if you’d like to learn more about Kim in her own words, you can read her blog here: www.thetwirlingdragon.blogspot.com
An interview here: www.thatthornguy.com/2016/03/21/an-interview-with-kimberly-kincaid/
And here: www.kirileonard.com/women-fantasy-illustration-kimberly-kincaid/
Update:
There will be a graveside service for Kim next Tuesday, May 3rd at 11am. All friends are welcome to attend. The service is to be held at the Kaysville Cemetery, 500 Crestwood Rd., Kaysville, Utah.
And for those looking for ways to honor her memory…
Kim had an immense love of animals. If you are looking for a way to help, and are so inclined, her family asks that you donate to your local Humane Society in lieu of sending flowers. You can donate HERE.
Or, consider donating to the Missionary Fund for Kim’s church HERE. Kim was a very devout individual, and credited two missionaries for helping her find her faith.
I saw many of those pieces in progress in Smartart school. This is such a great loss, my heart hurts for those of us in her community and her family. May her spirit travel easily knowing how much she was loved.
I never met her personally but that's not really something new given I live overseas. But beauty of the internet, a lot of people got to share the art Kim created, me being one of them. I just don't know what to say anymore. What a loss.
Thank you for writing these kind words about her and pushing her light a little farther into the world, this is my first time seeing her work and all it has to offer.
Kim was indeed one of the kindest and most generous persons I have met. She was passionate about her art, life, and family, and gave willingly of her time and thoughts. It is a great sorrow that she passed far too young, for this world has been greater for every day she was here. We will miss you deeply Kim.
This was a physical blow yesterday. She will be missed. Thanks for this post Dan.
Is there a website where I could see her art?
Beautifully written, Dan, and such a nice selection of her work! If it hadn’t been for the IMC, I might never have known Kim. She was one of the first students I met there, and was such a joy to work with that I changed my own ideas of how to communicate with students. She was both skeptical and curious about the process, a wonderful combination, and one which kept her growing. Ever kind, every once and a while she’d make a wry comment and had that mischievous look in her eye. Her smile was killer. She inspired me, she inspired all of us. She asked me early on if I thought she was starting too late in Art. I didn't think so. The excellent progress of her work and building her vision became the answer. I will miss her terribly.
Yes,
http://www.artbykimkincaid.com
Thank you for this Dan. I'm still reeling from the news.. It's been both heartbreaking and comforting reading everyones flood of love for her online today.
Thank you for this post Dan, it is so beautifully written. I can't believe she is gone, she was such an incredible person and artist, it is absolutely heartbreaking.
Beautifully said, Dan, she was family indeed. Trying to take comfort in her memory and in the magnificent work she left behind for all of us, but this one hurts immensely.
I'm…stunned. And so saddened. Kim will be so, so missed.
Truly a family member. It was amazing to watch her work evolve. I enjoyed being classmates with her in SmArt School and the IMC. I always looked forward to what her next piece would be. Her kindness was an inspiration as well as her art. I will miss her very much.
I met Kim in 2011 at my first IMC, and her 3rd or 4th. I remember marveling at her work, and at the fact that she had only started pursuing art just a few years earlier, having raised her children up until then. She was the kick in the pants I've needed ever since that it's never too late, but that starting isn't enough. It's the hard work, the constant yearning for knowledge, and the hunger to create that she had, that made it possible to get this far in such a short span of time.
I last saw her at Spectrum, as a fellow Muddy Colors Rising Star, and though the oldest one there, she out-performed us all with how prolific she's been since then!
Words can't express how much I'll miss seeing her works in progress on my facebook feed. I know she had so much left to share with us, and I'm torn to pieces for her family.
I miss you so much already, Kim
Thank you Dan- I can't yet remember her yet, as I still can't believe she's gone, and the only thing left is memory now. It's too close still.It doesn't seem real. This is a wonderful post and I am so glad you wrote it so beautifully. She touched everyone she met and our family is smaller and greyer from her absence.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute Dan. The loss of Kim has hit me hard which is a testament to who she was since we seldom got to see each other in person. I remember first meeting her at the IMC in 2008 and I liked her instantly. She was so nervous and doubted her abilities, I think due mostly to being the oldest person there. But I remember looking at her piece, a tree man with a bird on his hand, it was great and it was just the beginning of what her true abilities were. We've encouraged each other back and forth since then and just this past week I was excited and looking forward to showing her a new project that I've been working on. Sadly we won't be able to share these moments again. But I will treasure all the ones we had. Through her fears and doubts she persevered and her example has renewed in me the determination to get over my own fears and truly begin moving forward. This beautiful outpouring from the community has been amazing to see and I smile because I know that Kim would have never believed how much she has meant to so many.
Kim was so wonderful. She was interested in and invested in EVERYBODY around her. She worked like mad at her art, but it never felt like she was trying to prove anything to anyone, she was just driven to see what she could really do. I miss her and I wish I were more like her.
I attended the Illustration Master Class with her twice and we attended the local church together while there. Truly an excellent lady. Recently her “Snowchild” drawing restarted my determination to better my drawing skills; when I told her, she encouraged me. Better things coming her way now. Prayers for her family and friends.
I admired her work online for a few years before I got to meet her last summer at the IMC. We had chatted online here and there about her work, and when I met her in person she was instantly welcoming. So sweet and kind and I enjoyed stopping by her spot a few times a day to chat with her. I wish I had gotten the chance to know her even better, and I will miss so dearly her comments, her warm heart, and her artwork that always blew me away.
~Janel
She was a kind and talented lady. I just have no words. She will be sorely missed.
Thank you Dan, so beautifully written. She was such an inspiration to me. I felt like I had lost so much time away from making art raising my boys, and I looked at her -how hard she worked, her desire to always learn more, and the beautiful work she made- and her work, her drive, her kindness kept me motivated. She was always ready for a quick email critique or draw over, and she was always kind, but never in a syrupy way, never with a false note. Her wry humor would crack me up. The books she would recommend would keep me entertained for hours while I painted. Her ethereal paintings took my breath away. The world feels broken today.
Truly heartfelt post. Thank you.
Although I've never had the pleasure of meeting Kim in person we spoke on FB.
She made me cry, not because I was sad but because she offered to help me when I was down on my luck. Her generous offer, encouragement and inspiration have touched me and showed me that no matter what happens there's always a way.
A great loss to the world
Such a beautiful post and wonderful stories about Kim. I am so happy to see this remembrance posted here at MC. Kim truely inspired me at IMC as much as all the great faculty. 2009/10 was a strange time and I was at a crossroads in life and art. Looking back, Kim was one of the inspirations that really put me on course. I was just in awe of her artwork and persistence. Still am.
I'm so very sad I didn't get to meet Kim. She sounds amazing and I've enjoyed her work ever since I first saw it from the Rising Stars feature. I'm glad to get to know her even just a little bit through the outpouring of love I've been feeling from everyone's words today.
I never met Kim and “found” her online a couple of years ago. Her work mesmerized me and she gave me encouragement as an artist. I always loved to draw, but taught and raised a family so didn't have time to pursue art until a retired. Kim was my age and her blog gave me inspiration and reassurance each time I read it. May her family find comfort and peace and may God hold her in the palm of His hand.
That was beautifully written Dan, and so true. Kim was a gentle beautiful person with a wonderful sense of humor and a wonderfully creative mind. I first met her at IMC and was charmed by her work and even more by the person she was. Being part of eht older contingent there we talked and compared notes. We belonged to a support-critique group (Figgy Pudding) together and were in one of Rebecca's SmArt School classes together. we were also friends on facebook which meant we commented on each others lives. No, Kim was not a close friend but she was a friend and i hurt for her family and miss her. I also am saddened by the thought there will be no more of her wonderful creations to discuss and and be blown away by!
I wish I had been able to meet Kim in person. Her example gives me hope as I raise my young family and dream of an art career in the future. She is proof that it is possible to live both dreams!
I wish I had know her better than “just” from social media and forums. In the days of forums we used to chat more. And then it was mostly “likes” and “comments” on social media. Goes to show that while these tools open a lot of new doors they also tend to make actual exchanges poorer.
I will miss even that, every time she gave me a “like” I felt like I had done something right. And her art was really something special.
I only knew her through several IMCs and her beautiful artwork. It's never enough, particularly when we know there will be no other opportunities for more. But this was more than enough to know admiration for her work, and to have a sense of the quality of her person. She worked hard at the IMCs to create those wonderful images, listening to crits and comments, and yet it also looked so effortless. There were years of experience and passion that all went into her images, and it showed. It was inspiring that she had lived a full life outside of art and was then coming to it with such focus and readiness. Anyone just needed to look at her creations to know there was something very special there and we were all finally able to see and appreciate it.
Ars longa, vita brevis/Art is long, life is short.
Kim obviously knew this and wasted not a moment to concentrate on her art. So many beautiful paintings. It's never enough of course, but we have to be content with what we have, and it is a beautiful body of work.
I only knew her briefly as a fellow student and artist, and as a kind, thoughtful and friendly person. The rest–so much greater–known by her family and friends, I can only imagine and give my deepest sympathy for their loss.
I think we do have a community here (not just this site or the internet, but as artists and lovers of art). Those who knew her, or just knew of her, can easily feel the void left at her passing. There's not much of a silver lining to this, but for me, I will try and be just a fraction as dedicated and she was and hope to keep her as an inspiration to create art as long as possible.
As some of my art-related friends described above, I never met her personally, but had the pleasure of interacting with her online on forums and other social media. Always gave me the hope that it doesn't matter you age to just keep making your dreams come alive. I always looked forward to her serene and beautiful visions and artistic comments and observations. Thanks for this article, Dan.
Thanks, Dan, for your thoughtful and insightful memorial. The loss of any creative person is hard. The loss of such a genuine and talented artist is especially so, for all the joy she had yet to share through her life and art. Just by chance I saw Kim's Kvothe during an image search 5 years or more ago while planning an exhibit. I reached out and connected through her then-young Twirling Dragon blog, we chatted about art and museum-related topics over the years in the virtual world. She had such a young spirit and honest enthusiasm, I had no idea she was my “senior” or that she was beginning a late start on her journey as a fantasy artist (maybe that was what compelled me to contact her in the first place). Such an inspiration. Such a loss. My heart goes out to her family and friends, and to the many fans of her beautiful work.
I met Kim at the very first IMC, and most recently chatted with her during the SmArt School class in December. I was always a big fan of her work, and told her so frequently.
She leaves a legacy of amazing art. She will be missed in many ways.
First time we met was at IMC in 2011 where i was so blown away by everything and didn’t really get to talk with her. She then used a photo reference form the second year i went, where i was wearing an amazing dress by Janel Norris for a gorgeous pencil drawing. Seeing that i emailed her to say Iloved it, so we started to have, at times, an online conversation to finally meet up at the IMC last year.
The only thing to say is i totally loved her for her kindness, modesty and wit, also for being so caring and supportive. She was a wonderful and sweet person that had the courage and strength to fully embrace her passion and i was constantly looking to see more of her truly amazing and inspiring art.
The time to process these bad news is for me quite long, can’t grasp the idea that she’s no longer with us. She will be so missed. All of my thoughts and prayers go to her family in this difficult time.
I'm just so glad Marc & I gave her platforms to get more of her art out there via Every Day Original and the Dream Covers show at Krab Jab. And the upcoming Women in Fantasy show at Society of Illustrators this summer.
She was the perfect example and vibrant retort to anyone who said they felt they were too old to start an art career. Kim's career was a success for any age artist. I just wish it could have been much longer.
Wonderful post Dan. Beautifully put. I miss her already.
I didn't hear of Kim's passing until almost a week later, as I was travelling. It's such heartbreaking news, and I haven't really known what to say. I began corresponding with Kim after seeing some of her art that was emerging from SmArt School and IMC, and because I'm someone who is also taking a “late start” in trying to break into the field, Kim was both an inspiration and a source of support and encouragement.
Whenever I would see the year's Spectrum list, for instance, I naturally would look for my own name first, but then would immediately check for Kim's. I've always supplanted my disappointments of not getting in by instead taking pleasure in seeing Kim's name there.
Kim encouraged me to enroll in SmArt School, taking the time to tell me her experiences as a student, and to relay her confidence in Dan, Rebecca, Greg, Marc and all the SmArt and IMC staff as teachers and mentors. I was so glad we were able to share Rebecca's class together, and get to see into each other's process. Watching her work continuously hit new levels was always wonderfully motivating for me. We could always hear just from her voice how passionate and caring she was, even as she willingly revealed her own self-doubts.
I'll always regret we never were able to meet in person, I'll always remember her warmth and her wonderful work, and I'll always miss her…
I met Kim at IMC when I was in art school after switching careers, afraid that I was too old to “make it” in this field. She was so kind to everyone who crossed paths with her and an inspiration to people like me. Rest in peace, Kim, I'll miss you.
I met Kim at IMC when I was in art school after switching careers, afraid that I was too old to “make it” in this field. She was so kind to everyone who crossed paths with her and an inspiration to people like me. Rest in peace, Kim, I'll miss you.
I knew Kim through Facebook… for a long time I wondered who this person was who was so supportive of me. Then I met her while visiting the Illustration Masters school and when I saw her work I was blown away. Then I became HER fan… always reposting her work… talking to her for inspiration. She was so kind, so humble and so unbelievably talented and driven. She's an inspiration to me… that someone her age can do so much so quickly and be so wonderful! I missed seeing her on Facebook so just yesterday went to find out what she was up to and was devastated to see the news.