Addressing personal and social issues
Inspiring hope and self-advocacy in children
Kimberlee (Kimmie) Mallett’s journey as an artist and author of “Color Me Beautiful” begins with her father’s artistic influence, when she used captivating images from her childhood, such as Little Mermaid, reference images and practiced painting from observations. What evolved was the result of grappling with personal struggles from autism to school bullying to building relationships – life-long learning to express her artistic talents and to understand entrepreneurship. The concept of “beautiful” is a guiding theme for the artist herself, and it is a mission for her work.
Kimmie recalls her father’s early influence in woodworking, where he carved her favorite characters, and painted them for her bedroom. He would do art with her, and he made special birthday posters for friends to sign. She admits her art skills and drawing interests were limited until she connected with ‘The Outsiders Collective’, where founder and executive director, Carrie Hyde-Riley among others developed her talents, challenged her approach, and expanded her activities to include chair yoga, improv classes, and building an art car for the Art Park Derby. The non-profit Outsiders Collective, consisting of artists and professionals, creates a community of artists while enhancing the lives of those living with differing abilities
“I was just outlining, using a Sharpie and pencil for cartoon illustration,” notes Kimmie. “I was painting from what I see in a little sketch. Carrie got me out of my comfort zone.”
Kimmie explained in detail Carrie’s approach to working with her in detail. She printed out images for me; she taught her step by step how to paint from observation, mixing the colors, the shadows, the lights, the mid to dark, the mid-tones.”
Her skills have evolved. She had just completed what she calls “the hardest painting,” where the image was blurred, focusing Kimmie’s vision of a picnic with wine on the beach sunset. She creates at the Outsiders Collaborative three days a week, where her work is displayed, and she continues working at her home studio.
But that is not her primary focus.
Kimmie has published and sold hundreds of copies of her book, titled “Color Me Beautiful,” written as a memoir of her childhood, and consumed by low self-esteem. School teachers weren’t helpful to her as an autistic child, and the students – well, were kids, and not particularly kind. Kimmie understood what bullying was before the term became mainstream, years later.
The book is intended for young adults who struggle with social issues. Kimmie managed, and shared with her readers, “You can rely on yourself. Be your own advocate. Whatever you think about yourself is all that matters.”
Seeing Kimmie was serious about her book, Carrie, who helped edit and finish the work, recommended the Rhode Island Developmental Disabilities Council’s Business Development Series, funded by the State Department of Labor and Training, which she recently completed. Known for routinely helping its aspiring entrepreneurs turn hobbies into viable businesses, the RIDDC offers business classes with the guidance of mentors and one-on-one counseling by professionals in every facet of business, including marketing, finances, and business start-ups.
In class, Kimmie learned to publish her books on Amazon, through Stillwater Books in a webstore, and since January, in Barnes & Noble. She also understands the importance of marketing – the value of promoting her works. Carrie reviews Kimmie’s in-class lessons and plans to continue implementing marketing plans via social media to support both her artwork and book sales. Not surprisingly, Kimmie’s photos get great feedback immediately. The response fuels her creativity and desire to do another book; several are currently in the works.
While there’s a second book to accompany “Color Me Beautiful,” Kimmie enthusiastically adds “There’s another series that hasn’t been touched. But there’s one that focuses on grief response, a children’s book, and another grief story with comments by me as an autistic epileptic individual dealing with the grief of losing a father, grandmother, and others.
Helping children is a consistent theme, transcending her publishing efforts. Referring to Friend’s Way, a local non-profit that offers free bereavement support to families that once helped her, she says with pride, “I have become a facilitator, helping little kids with grief there, and with the writing of a children’s book on that topic.“
“One of my biggest worries was death. And that can lead to stress. And I, like I said, I have epilepsy.” So, she learned at Friend’s Way how not to worry about death, understanding that people can’t live forever. She reasons that “even though my dad is not physically here, he’s still with me in my heart, just like everybody else is.”
Carrie says that this understanding and acceptance were the main sources of inspiration for Kimmie. She is also keenly aware of the guidelines to be followed for content for children’s books for the 3 to 5-year-olds.
Whether told in person, in her book, or collections showcased on a wall, her art, stories, and messages are filled with inspiration and therapeutic value for the author, for her readers, and all of her encounters.
Reflecting on work and relationships, she keenly remembers coping with difficult times. She senses the importance of sharing and helping others. She is stronger from her journey, she is both willing and able to guide others to a positive path on their journeys and is excited about her future as a new small business owner in RI.