Meet Kimberly Abbs | – Illustrator | Designer | Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Abbs and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks, especially when it’s tied to something you’re passionate about, requires a lot of courage. It’s so easy to get caught up in fear of judgment or failure, but without taking that leap, you’ll always wonder what could have been.

It took me a long time to find the courage to step forward as an artist and creator. I had to focus deeply on my mindset and truly believe in myself — that there’s a place for me in the market and I have something unique to offer.

Showing my work, learning how to market myself and managing all the small business tasks are overwhelming, but I am embracing the challenge. Doing so has opened up new opportunities, sparked inspiration, and fueled my motivation to keep creating. It has also helped me to refine my skills as an artist and develop my style. If I hadn’t taken risks, I’m not sure I would have ever embarked on this journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a scratchboard and pen & ink illustrator, potter, and designer. My creative journey began in 1998 as a graphic designer, in 2018 I made the bold decision to step away from the industry and fully dedicate myself to my art. At heart, I’ve always been an illustrator, constantly drawn to exploring new mediums—including the art of clay throwing. Wildlife, ranch animals, and people have been my subjects for as long as I can remember. It was in college that I was introduced to scratchboard and pen & ink, and I instantly fell in love with the bold, expressive nature of scratchboard. Pen & ink, though its opposite in technique, is equally captivating to me.

I describe my illustrations as raw and rustic, built on sporadic, uneven lines that collide to capture the personality and essence of my subjects. Scratchboard, to me, is a fearless medium—it’s challenging, sometimes unforgiving, but that’s exactly why I love it. My work isn’t traditional scratchboard art; I create what moves me, whether it’s a minimalist composition, highly detailed imagery, a study of light versus dark, or an approach that has the same feel of drawing on paper. While I have a deep love for black and white, I also enjoy incorporating color into my pieces.

Pottery—MUD, as I like to call it—is a mindful process for me, blending planned spontaneity with raw emotion. I gravitate toward rustic forms and simplicity, ensuring that every piece I create is handcrafted, one by one, never mass-produced. Some of my pieces are glazed, while others feature a technique called sgraffito, which has many forms, for me I mimic the same look of my scratchboard and pen & ink drawings—transforming each piece into a unique work of art. Lately, I’ve been focusing on large, one-off platters—throwing a single piece rather than making matching sets. This approach allows me greater creative freedom, and I’ve found that my one-of-a-kind pieces are among my most sought-after works.

The forms of artwork I love are neither simple nor forgiving. Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks to navigate mistakes, but I’ve also come to appreciate the power of stepping away. On challenging days in the studio, I remind myself to take a deep breath, accept that not every day will be a win, and trust that tomorrow brings a fresh opportunity to create something beautiful. Maintaining this mindset has been essential in keeping my creativity alive and thriving.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow! If my best friend was visiting for a week we would definitely take in an early hike at Spruce Mountain open space, sunrise paddle boarding at Aurora Res. Mineral salt soak and massage at Luna Float and incline in Manitou Springs. Breakfast at La Baguette in Colorado Springs, dinner at La Loma and drinks at Sinners & Saints, both in Castle Rock.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and friends are my biggest supporters, and without them, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to pursue my dream of being a full-time artist. My husband is my rock, always encouraging me, while my children are my loudest cheerleaders, constantly giving me the energy to keep going. I’m also incredibly grateful to the Castle Rock Art Alliance and the amazing artists who have become both mentors and friends. Their support has given me a platform to share my work, and I’m constantly inspired by the immense talent and creativity that surrounds me.

Website: https://www.kabbsmudandink.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kabbsmudandink