Kim O’Brien
C+: A Celebration of Being a C+ Student
Jan 4 - Feb 25
Artist Talk: Sunday Feb 12 at 1-3pm
#100-938 Howe Street, Vancouver
"If you don’t know … I made this show for us.
Both in my head and in my pitch for this exhibition I framed it in a celebratory way even though it comes from a place of deep trauma. Sometimes things are really hard. Period.
The show is a celebration of my current and past struggles navigating a world with a learning disability.
The show is called C+ because in my schooling C+ was “above average “ but it was framed in a negative way … you didn’t get gold stars for C+. This show is for me and anyone else who everyday entered school as if going into battle and never won, never got a gold star. I’m making badges for us, because in my head I have put an exclamation mark after “above average“. Above average!!!!
I have the ability and privilege to find humour in the human experience. In my human experience. I also use humour as a coping strategy to navigate a challenging existence. My humour is integrated into every fibre of my being and has become a reflex and a regurgitation that I love, and see the harm in.
My internal dialogue entertains me, and reframes my story, often suppressing, ignoring, and trivializing the experience I coexist with.
So you know, I think you are amazing, a badass, and you deserve acknowledgement and celebration!!"
Kim O'Brien
Above Average!!!
Hand hooked rug
26” x 13”
"Rug hooking is both an art and a craft where rugs are made by pulling loops of yarn or fabric through a stiff woven base such as burlap, linen, or rug warp. The loops are pulled through the backing material by using a crochet-type hook mounted in a handle (usually wood) for leverage. In contrast latch-hooking uses a hinged hook to form a knotted pile from short, pre-cut pieces of yarn."
Kim O'Brien
What if “D” Didn’t Stand for Dumb?
Acrylic on canvas
20.5” x 10”
Framed
"What if D didn’t stand for dumb?
What if we turn the dunce cap into a celebration hat…what would happen if we celebrated the sheer determination to show up…lets decided that D stands for determined.
That F doesn’t stand for fail, but rather fearlessly showing up despite fear.
That C+ should never imply “try harder”, but instead a shout out for above average ability in courage, resilience and grit."
Kim O'Brien
Pre-determined
Acrylic on canvas
8” x 6”
Framed
C+ Badge
Felted wool
Approx. 3-6”
D Badge
Felted wool
Approx. 3-6”
F Badge
Felted wool
Approx. 3-6”
What is Needle Felting? In a nutshell, needle felting is the process of transforming wool into 3D objects using a barbed needle. When you felt wool, you're agitating the fibers so they bond together, creating a solid fabric.
Available by Donation
“I wish this show could work like this … a call-out to folks who’s learning experience is layered with hardness. That folks could reach out and pluck a badge from the wall and tuck it close or wear it proud. That acquiring a badge could be a private moment, a connection to shared experience, and for a moment a shift in what letters mean.
There are some impractical parts to this initial plan.
Plan B was to give the badges away!! For me, and maybe for you the ability to achieve financial stability is deeply protected by skills that I struggle with. It was kindly pointed out that despite the beauty in this was I really in a financial position to refuse money?
The final plan is by donation. Donation can feel complicated and uncomfortable … how much do you give?
My definition of donation includes everything from coffee to money to a tiny cottage in the country and everything in between!! The idea of someone connecting to this show and not being able to afford it feels unfair. Life can be unfair, this show shouldn’t be.”
xo
Kim O’Brien
Please note that no artwork from this exhibition is available for purchase anymore.