Kime (pronounced kim-ee) Buzzelli owns a clothing store, updates a blog constantly, has art shows in Japan, styles Beverly Hills 90210, and has done collaborations so sweet (like Vans, and most recently, Urban Decay) that Napoleon is probably rising from the dead right now just so he can conquer the world and cop them. Avoid zombie Napoleon by reading her interview here.
When not doing the slew of rad things she does, Kime’s answering our questions and making colorful but contextually dark love poems in the forms of paintings and illustrations inspired by “big fat foreign fashion mags”.
First off, I think all of us at aStory are wondering… plaids or stripes?
I’ve got to say stripes. I secretly like to live my life like a french movie. Love those nautical stripes too.
What’s an average morning in a typical day of a usual year like in the busy life of Kime Buzzelli?
[on weekends]: wake up early, coffee and breakfast with my boyfriend (and cats) and then get busy making things or researching things for future paintings. I love sitting with stacks of my favorite books and magazines.
What are your tools of choice for making your amazing art?
I love PAPER the thicker the better – I prefer 300 lb hot press paper! I cherish my Japanese brush markers, colored pencils, pastels and of course watercolors. I am guilty of using makeup, and metallic crushed glitters on occasion.
How do you pick your colors?
I suppose I am attracted to odd misfit shades. I like opposite colors. I fancy mint greens, salmon fleshy pinks, lilacs and lots of black. I love noticing new colors in wallpaper, nature, fashion layouts and interiors.
Where do the clever sayings come from that you put in your work?
Most of them are overheard in conversations that my friends are having. I have always been a voyeur. I love stealing sentences from quick conversations I hear on the street, on the t.v. and in songs from old records. Sometimes I combine them- but only use text when my paintings match up with that particular moment. I used to tape record all of my answering machine messages and weird nights out in college.
Top artists on the scene right now?
Chantal Joffe, Justin B Williams, John Copeland, Suzannah Sinclair, and Aurel Schmidt.
If we wanted to find you and adorn you with praise and shower you with gifts on a Friday night at precisely 10:15 PM, where would we find you?
Sadly on my couch. Or at the French Restaurant TAIX down the street saddled up to the bar.
You live above your store… have you ever been late to work and blamed traffic?
Ha, no but I have gotten my car insurance reduced to a “leisure driver” policy.
If you were running for mayor or governor, what would your campaign slogan be?
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that’s BUZZELLI
There’s no way one human could possibly do all the awesome things you do. Are you a Terminator or android or something? If you were indeed a Terminator, how would you style yourself?
Ohh I’d love to be a terminator. I’d wear something by L.A. designers Skingraft clothing. Perhaps a leather jacket with wing flapped shoulder pads and boots covering the entire leg. They also have an incredible dress with taxidermy on the shoulder.
Where’s the best pizza in the world located?
I’d have to say in Italy…where it tastes like my Grandma’s. She would curse you if you wanted cheese on it.
What’s your take on fixed gear bicycles?
Sorry I’m a rollerskater.
You have a degree in education and have taught art theory to middle school kids – do you want to eventually teach again?
Yes, instead of actually having my own kids. I really loved teaching. I always loved being in a school classroom, the smell of chalkboards and books. I guess I’m weird that way.
What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?
I broke my back sled riding as a kid. The doctor said I was a few vertebrate away from being paralyzed. It was all cuz some older boys dared me to sled ride over a 4 foot high snow ramp. Bad idea.
What can we expect to see next from you?
Hopefully super large scale pieces since I finally landed a new art studio. I really want to build things that float overhead and dangle to the floor
Lastly, your cat Georgie is the most cuddliest and goofiest looking kitty of all time. Hand him over or face the consequences. As we know you will never hand him over — what consequence do you want: Walk the plank, quicksand, or blind-folded cage fight with macho man randy savage?
Tis true, there is no match too great for the love of Georgie boy. But if I had to choose – I’ll take that last one cause wrestling is fake, shark fights are real.
See more of her art at www.kimebuzzelli.com or visit her gallery’s page at www.newimageartgallery.com.
Interview: Kevin Duffel
Photography: Chris Dea
Tags: Art, Beverly Hills 90210, Fashion, Kime Buzzelli
