Art Isn’t Always Easy: Friendship, Parenting & Self-Definition with Kimmy Noonen

noseyAF: Conversations about Art, Activism, and Social Change

Ep # 75: Art Isn’t Always Easy: Friendship, Parenting & Self-Definition with Kimmy Noonen

Recorded Live at Lumpen Radio: May 24, 2025

Summary of the episode

Kimmy Noonen Joined my Live on Lumpen Radio!

This episode is basically two friends—me, Stephanie, and Kimmy Noonan—chatting about all the messy, beautiful stuff that happens when art meets real life. Kimmy opens up about how becoming a mom changed her whole creative vibe and the struggle to stay true to herself while juggling all the expectations that come with being an artist (and a human). We get into the ups and downs of figuring out who you are in the art world, dealing with pressure, and why being kind to yourself is the secret sauce. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your creativity alive while life keeps throwing curveballs, this one’s for you.

Takeaways:

• In our conversation, we explored the complexities of artistic identity and the struggles inherent in labeling oneself within the creative domain.
• We discussed the significance of accessibility in art and the importance of making it relevant to everyday people, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
• How parenting impacts one's artistic journey, likening it to a transformative residency that reshapes priorities and creative output.
• We get into the concept of delegated performance art as a means of engaging others in the creative process, highlighting community involvement in art.
• The necessity of archiving conversations about art was stressed, aiming to foster deeper connections and understanding among artists and their audiences.
• Lastly, we acknowledged the tension between artistic integrity and the commercial aspects of art, advocating for a balance that supports both creativity and community engagement.

Chapters:

• 00:21 - Introduction to the Show

• 00:42 - The Journey of an Artist

• 12:20 - The Evolution of Artistic Expression

• 15:40 - The Evolution of My Podcast Journey

• 24:12 - Navigating the Challenges of Being an Artist

• 32:00 - The Importance of Titles in Creativity

• 36:42 - The Impact of Parenthood on Artistic Practice

• 42:32 - Navigating High School Choices in Chicago

• 46:06 - The Pressure of Art and Marketing

• 57:49 - The Nature of Artistic Conversations

About Kimmy:

Kimmy (not Kim) Noonen is a multi-disciplinary artist, podcast creator, and mother. She has spent the last twenty years making art through painting, photography, and interactive installations while also teaching, parenting two children, running a small business, and doing a heckofa lot of therapy. In her work, she re-imagines the potency of overlooked ideas and discarded materials to give form to our invisible inner-landscapes, asking questions about control, interdependence, holistic health and the expansion of identity over time. Kimmy is the creator of Kimmy Not Kim Podcast where she talks to real artists about their process, personhood and purpose and she lives with her husband and kids in the northwest side of Chicago.

Connect with Kimmy

Instagram: @kimmynotkim

Website: https://www.kimmynotkim.com/

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Episode Credits:

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Me, Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Thanks for your help at Lumpen Charlie!!