Meet Paul Firmin | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Firmin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, putting aside the decision to work for yourself, what other decisions were critical to your success?
One of the most important decisions I made that contributed to my success was the decision to remove all limits from myself. In the beginning of my artist career I would look at other artists work in awe and admiration, often feeling they were lightyears ahead of my skill wise and just in their artistry. I knew I was proficient in my craft but I still had doubts. One day I decided to tell myself that I, as a human being, being fully able of mind and body, am 100% capable of doing anything another human being can. All it takes is the drive to do so. I’ve been making art long before I ever decided to pick a career and it’s been the one constant love in my life. Once I knew my. heart was in it I knew it was just a matter of time. I would approach new projects with new techniques always with increasing confidence, and my skills grew quickly as a result. I still respected those artist I that use to wow me, but now they weren’t on some super high pedestal I couldn’t surpass. This decision that I can create whatever I want however I want led to me constantly pushing myself which is a trait I’m glad to own. Freeing myself of limitations as an artist all around has let my imagination grow over the years and will continue to do so if I’m lucky.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Most times my art is a reflection of myself emotionally at some point in my life. I’m usually trying to evoke some sort of feeling in my work. I also believe in the spiritual and healing properties that art can bring. In this very visual 3D world it is addicting to create images and things that speak for us when words do not suffice. My art is meant speak to this side of the human experience and is meant to be universal, for everybody. I want to encourage introspection with my art and have the viewer think about how they engage with themselves and the world around them. I often use human figures and elements of nature in my work because I believe in the healing and preservation of this place all living creatures call home. We can never be separate from nature and I like to remind myself and others to leave the cities and the suburbs and step into it as often as you can.

I’m very grateful to be where I’m at on my artistic journey and it wouldn’t have been possible without love. My consistency has definitely gotten me here but before the consistency came there had to be love. Love for my craft, my creations, and connections. Art gives me a lot of satisfaction in life and when you genuinely love something being consistent doesn’t become a chore easily. Every couple of months I look back and It’s almost jarring seeing where I thought my apex was. I’m truly never satisfied and believe my next piece is always my best piece which keeps me going all the more. I’d say moving in this manner keeps me motivated and shows me growth in myself that I deem successful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being an artist I don’t really step out too often but If I had a friend visiting the are who’s never been before I would definitely take them to Miami’s art district and show them around Wynwood probably. They have an exciting environment full of interest pople. I know we would visit either the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens or the Perez. Art Museum, or both. We would definitely hit up the beach at some point I’m sure, Las Olas has always been a go-to spot for me.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Theres honestly too many people to thank for helping me get to this point. Everyone who’s ever reposted my art or shared it somewhere, showed a loved one, bought a print, anything of the sort, deserves my thanks. My family also definitely deserves some recognition in my story. They’ve been there for me at shows and helped me pass certain milestones I wouldn’t have been able to without them. They’re encouraging words have kept me going, and that all goes for my close friends too. I’d also like to thank the late Bob Ross for inspiring me as an artist and human being from a young age.

Website: https://www.itskini.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its.kini/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/itskiniart

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KINIART

Image Credits
All photos shot and edited by the artist.