Kim Eggens (1984) graduated in 2009 from the Utrecht School of Arts, Graphic Design. For her graduation project she created a personal interpretation of the fairy-tale ‘The Singing Nightingale’ by Hans Christiaan Andersen. This book is full of beautiful hand-embroidered texts and illustrations. These magical illustrations are made from a combination of photos, various fabrics and embroidery. They portray the beauty and whimsicality of life and behold the innocent characteristics common of Kim’s work. This was just the beginning of Kim’s on-going development as a graphic designer and independent artist. Her fascination for death and forgiveness is a recurring theme in Kim’s work. Her choice of work-materials is quite remarkable, as she delicately combines organic materials with textiles.

Interview
Kim’s work originates from stories and events collected from her surroundings. She is inspired by foreign cities where she photographs everything that moves her. This is how her stories are created. It can be something very small. For example, she photographed a street where she found a beautiful deceased butterfly. Sometimes her feelings lead the way and other times words direct her. This way she creates her personal path. Kim also has a fascination with dead animals. She brings them home with her and takes care of them the way she knows they would want to be cared for. Her creative-process begins with a feeling with which she wants to work. For instance, her most recent project is focused on saying goodbye and the array of emotions that come along with this grieving process. Many antique photos and letters used in her work are collected at little markets in Barcelona where she often visits. She finds Barcelona to be a multidimensional and very inspiring city and is especially inspired by the many unique details in the towers that were built there. You can see their influence in her work.

Blank Book for Thoughts
At the moment, Kim is working on several projects, the main one being the series ‘Blank Book for Thoughts’.
This is a unique journal made by hand in which to record ideas and personal stories. Each and every journal cover is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind.
Through the use of found and self-made photographs and images no one journal is the same. Different thoughts and fantasies pass through the day and are used as Kim’s inspiration. Books also continue to inspire her everyday and she hopes that this one will do the same for you. Her aim is to encourage others to place their thoughts and emotions on the pages she has created. Kim always finds it meaningful and special knowing that someone may record their personal experiences in a journal she has made with a lot of care and patience.

Her favourites
All of Kim’s works come from memories of things she has experienced. Her works therefore create a sort of visual history that she will one day leave behind. These are things Kim also always wants to be surrounded by while she is still here. A favourite project is very difficult for her to pinpoint. Although the book ‘Lovely Animal’ from the series ‘Blank Book for Feelings’ is one to which she is particularly attached. It is the deceased animal that touches her so much. It comforts Kim to know that she can give this animal a new story, a new life. The animal is no longer alone and becomes a part of her life. It stays with her, lies on my shelf and has its own special spot there where she takes good care of it, never letting it get too warm or too cold. She gives it her love and feels the love it gives her in return.