What’s in a name?

Self-Portrait in My Camping Pajamas - watercolor and ink, sketchbook painting - by Kimberly Scott

There's a story behind every artist's signature, and mine is a little more complicated than most. You might see a simple "Kim" on my paintings, and that might leave you wondering – why not the full name? Well, it involves a few twists and turns in the road of life (and last names!).

As a little girl, I was simply "Kimmy" to my family. That nickname evolved into "Kim" when I started school, a compromise after a classmate with my same name claimed the full "Kimberly." The name stuck, becoming a core part of my identity. I knew from high school age that marriage would likely bring a name change, (hyphenations and the keeping of maiden names wasn’t really a thing back then), so I decided my art would carry the one constant: Kim.

Fast forward a few years, and life introduced me to a whirlwind of last names. Three marriages, one annulled, resulted in four different surnames. This only solidified my decision to stick with "Kim" for my artwork.

While "Kim" is my personal and artistic identity, the digital world presented a unique challenge. Both "KimberlyScott.com" and "KimScott.com" were already taken. So, I opted for "Kimber Scott" – a compromise that maintained the essence of "Kim" while creating a distinct online presence. At the same time, the combination of "Kimberly Scott" has a pleasing rhythm and offers a professional feel, making it a suitable choice for the title of my website.

But here's the thing: while the online world might know me as Kimber Scott or Kimberly Scott, in real life interactions with people I know, and most importantly, on my art – I'm simply Kim. It's a name that transcends the ups and downs of life, a single brushstroke that remains constant throughout my artistic journey.

So, the next time you see a "Kim" on a painting, know that it's not just a signature. It's a testament to the enduring power of a name chosen by a young girl who hoped, deep down, that her art would speak for itself, regardless of her last name.