About Kimberly

Anne Arundel County
Kimberly Novak is a self-taught artist who has lived and worked in Maryland for most of her life.   She draws on her love of nature and her spiritual connection to our world  for inspiration. Her deep kinship to the Master Artist is what compels her to create, it is her hope and joy to convey presence through her work. Kimberly’s love of vivid color, texture and form come together to reveal her unique style, which is evident in her hand inked paper exploration and mixed media collage designs.… more

Vessel Series

Beginning with a "Birthing Vessel" this series is spiritually themed, incorporating sources of light, illuminating both inside and out.  It is a journey of the beginnings, the growth of an artist and the realization that her spirit of creativity is in everything she touches.  It defines and grows her.

Each vessel is created using her handmade India Ink paper technique,  works are completed by applying various media and finished with brushwork in acrylic and India Ink.
  • Birthing Vessel
    Birthing Vessel
    Birthing Vessel - Beginning with a "Birthing Vessel" this series is spiritually themed, incorporating sources of light, illuminating both inside and out. It is a journey of the beginnings, the growth of an artist and the realization that her spirit of creativity is in everything she touches. It defines and grows her. It is a breaking forth! Isaiah 64:8 “Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.” The original work was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage glass pieces, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Prayer Bowl
    Prayer Bowl
    Prayer Bowl - Psalm 141:1-2 "I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice." Revelation 8:4 "The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of God’s people, went up before God from the angel’s hand." Revelation 5:8 "..the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people." The original work was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage hymnal pages, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Provision
    Provision
    Provision - Psalm 107:4-9 "Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men! For he satisfies him who is thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things." The original work was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage hymnal pages, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Living Water
    Living Water
    Living Water - John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Revelation 7:17 “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” Revelation 21:6 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. The original work is created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage hymnal pages, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Fragrance
    Fragrance
    Fragrance - Ephesians 5:19-20 “Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 “But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." The original work was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage hymnal pages (flowers), many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Fix Our Eyes
    Fix Our Eyes
    Fix our Eyes - As we look to the end of our earthen vessel, a day when we will no longer be rooted in the ways of man. Our earthly bodies will be transformed and we will cast our eyes toward the new life eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Proverbs 4:25-26 “Let your eyes look straight ahead: fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge.” This work is created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage hymnal pages, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Jars Of Clay
    Jars Of Clay
    Jars of Clay - Though we may be hard pressed on every side, we have unseen strength and light within. Each is different yet the same, for the light can never be extinguished and those unique gifts shall yet remain. "But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us." 2 Cor. 4:7 The Original piece was designed using vintage glass settings, gold leaf and a vintage gold crown pin placed inside of the largest vessel. The implication is that this treasure is often hidden but is inside each of us! The additional two vessels in the painting have that same light within, the treasure is unseen and is our strength both in times of trouble and in plenty. This Original is a detailed collage, created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage hymnal pages, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!

The Heavens - An Ongoing Collection

This Collection is based on the wonders and magnificence of our Creator God.  "The Heavens"  declare his power and creative nature.   Each work  is  inspired by his everpresent peace in times of earthly trouble.  Look to the heavenlies, God is so much bigger than anything we face, he is our true peace that passes our limited understanding. 
  • Declaration
    Declaration
    Declaration - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4" This Original was designed using India Ink exclusively on canvas, this is not a mixed media or collage piece. The color is very vibrant and beautiful! It stands alone, declaring our maker!
  • Time & Space
    Time & Space
    Time & Space - This heavily collaged metallic work represents the God of all time and space. The creator of all that is, has been and will forever be. There is so much detail to be found in the foundations of this work, as it is seeks to truly capture the infinite possibilities of time and space. The vision in the midst is a slowed down present representation of the here and now. It is a marvel that every minute of every day is held and treasured by such a big immeasurable God! Gen 2:1 “Thus the Heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.” Genesis 1:14 “And God said, Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years.”
  • The City
    The City
    The City - I believe that Heaven will be a place where we see all color and light unrestrained, not limited by our human senses, it will be overwhelming and wondrous! Revelation 21:10 “And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” The Original was designed using India Ink exclusively on canvas, this is not a mixed media or collage piece. The color is very vibrant and beautiful!
  • Holy Night - Glorious Morning
    Holy Night - Glorious Morning
    Holy Night - Glorious Morning This piece tells the entire story of Jesus the Messiah. Beginning with the evening birth in a stable on the hillside of Bethlehem, attended by the heavenly hosts. To the sign of the cross and pure sacrifice culminating with the rejoicing at the morning resurrection from the tomb. This is the prophesied Messiah, who is to come again and so as with the star, we look to the sky expectantly for his triumphant reappearing. Luke 2: 13-14 “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 24:22-24 “They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.” The original was created using many layers, starting with India Ink as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Fix Our Eyes
    Fix Our Eyes
    Fix Our Eyes - As we look to the end of our earthen vessel, a day when we will no longer be rooted in the ways of man. Our earthly bodies will be transformed and we will cast our eyes toward the new life eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Proverbs 4:25-26 “Let your eyes look straight ahead: fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.” Psalm 141:8 “But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge.” The original work is created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage hymnal pages, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!

Ink Treasures - An Ongoing Collection

Ink Treasures- In this ongoing collection hidden "treasures" are revealed on inked papers. To explain further:  Part of this artists process is to create inked papers for use in her detailed collage work.  When a batch of inked papers is complete, the artist examines them to see if any hidden objects may be discovered.  She is occassionally delighted to find an animal, tree or other fun subject in the ink designs. They are then defined further in ink, usually black for contrast, to really give them life! These are pure, simple delights, they are her little treasures!
  • Shy One
    Shy One
    Shy One- Ink Treasures- In this ongoing collection hidden "treasures" are revealed on inked papers. To explain further: Part of this artists process is to create inked papers for use in her detailed collage work. When a batch of inked papers is complete, the artist examines them to see if any hidden objects may be discovered. She is occasionally delighted to find an animal, tree or other fun subject in the ink designs. They are then defined further in ink, usually black for contrast, to really give them life! These are pure, simple delights, they are her little treasures! This "treasure"is a Great Blue Heron. However majestic she is in stature and flight, she is still a bit shy and very aware of her surroundings. She is lovely!
  • Humming
    Humming
    Humming- Ink Treasures- In this ongoing collection hidden "treasures" are revealed on inked papers. Part of this artist’s process is to create inked papers for use in her detailed collage work. When a batch of inked papers is complete, the artist examines them to see if any hidden objects may be discovered. She is occasionally delighted to find an animal, tree or other fun subject in the ink designs. They are then defined further in ink, usually black for contrast, to really give them life! These are pure, simple delights, they are her little treasures! This "treasure"is a pleasant little humming bird, she is very busy, her form is sharp, her eye determined. She is a "worker bee" with style!
  • Proud Mama
    Proud Mama
    Proud Mama Ink Treasures- In this ongoing collection hidden "treasures" are revealed on inked papers. To explain further: Part of this artists process is to create inked papers for use in her detailed collage work. When a batch of inked papers is complete, the artist examines them to see if any hidden objects may be discovered. She is occasionally delighted to find an animal, tree or other fun subject in the ink designs. They are then defined further in ink, usually black for contrast, to really give them life! These are pure, simple delights, they are her little treasures! This "treasure"is a very proud pachyderm! She is super proud of her baby, who is growing fast and becoming stronger and braver every day! Mama's watchful eye and gentle spirit shine through, it's not easy letting the little ones be brave, but she knows she won't always be there!
  • Brave and Strong
    Brave and Strong
    Brave and Strong- Ink Treasures- In this ongoing collection hidden "treasures" are revealed on inked papers. To explain further: Part of this artists process is to create inked papers for use in her detailed collage work. When a batch of inked papers is complete, the artist examines them to see if any hidden objects may be discovered. She is occasionally delighted to find an animal, tree or other fun subject in the ink designs. They are then defined further in ink, usually black for contrast, to really give them life! These are pure, simple delights, they are her little treasures! This "treasure"is an adorable image of a baby elephant. The wee one may yet be tiny but daily she grows and learns, slowly gaining the confidence to venture out into the big wide world! Today she is finally able to reach the tree for herself, a milestone indeed! Feeling ever so accomplished, strong and brave, she whispers, this is going to be a great day!
  • Onward
    Onward
    Onward- Ink Treasures- In this ongoing collection hidden "treasures" are revealed on inked papers. To explain further: Part of this artists process is to create inked papers for use in her detailed collage work. When a batch of inked papers is complete, the artist examines them to see if any hidden objects may be discovered. She is occasionally delighted to find an animal, tree or other fun subject in the ink designs. They are then defined further in ink, usually black for contrast, to really give them life! These are pure, simple delights, they are her little treasures! This "treasure"is a warrior! She fiercely carries her "sword", in her world the obvious weapon of choice is a paintbrush! She has wings to take her to high unknown places and dreams of what is to come, if she just presses onward!
  • Young Prince
    Young Prince
    Young Prince- Ink Treasures- In this ongoing collection hidden "treasures" are revealed on inked papers. To explain further: Part of this artists process is to create inked papers for use in her detailed collage work. When a batch of inked papers is complete, the artist examines them to see if any hidden objects may be discovered. She is occasionally delighted to find an animal, tree or other fun subject in the ink designs. They are then defined further in ink, usually black for contrast, to really give them life! These are pure, simple delights, they are her little treasures! This "treasure"is a young prince. When I found him in the ink, the color just fit his royalty, so cool when that happens! He is young but still his pride and authority shine through, ever looking to the days he will step up to be ruler!
  • Leaning
    Leaning
    Leaning- Ink Treasures- In this ongoing collection hidden "treasures" are revealed on inked papers. To explain further: Part of this artists process is to create inked papers for use in her detailed collage work. When a batch of inked papers is complete, the artist examines them to see if any hidden objects may be discovered. She is occasionally delighted to find an animal, tree or other fun subject in the ink designs. They are then defined further in ink, usually black for contrast, to really give them life! These are pure, simple delights, they are her little treasures! This "treasure"is a growing little tree, leaning hard to seek the sun, the warmth and light draw her in! It seems that if she could take up her roots and fly to get closer, she would!

Various Other Works

These pieces are either sole creations or beginnings of up and coming collections.  They are each inspired and unique.
  • Comfort
    Comfort
    Comfort - Here we are reminded of how much great sorrow our world holds for its’ people. To be genuinely comforted is our most basic and deepest need, to feel unrequited love and compassion through the deepest sorrow is truly a gift. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” Psalm 126:5 “Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.” This original piece was created during many hours of laboring love using many layers of India Ink. The foundation was painted in acrylic.
  • Peace
    Peace
    Peace- John 14:26-27 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The Original piece was created using many layers of India Ink on a foundation of acrylic paint, it is stunning!
  • Freedom
    Freedom
    Freedom - The title of this work is two-fold. Freedom for all living creatures, in this case represented by the sea turtle is a call for the care and stewardship of the earth and its magnificent diverse creatures. Secondly this piece represents the freedom of all nations. The nations are carried on the back of the sea turtle to free open waters where there is no injustice or hatred between peoples, but a promise of eternal peace. Revelations 22:2 “down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” Revelations 21:24-25 “ The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.” Genesis 1:20-22 God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” The original work was created using many layers, starting with India Ink as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, various handmade papers,many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Evergreen
    Evergreen
    Evergreen- I created this piece joyfully, not quite knowing where it was going, until it was near completion. As I was looking through an old hymnal, I found this song! How perfect! A verse is placed on each of the tree trunks. Then a scripture verse from Isaiah described the scene perfectly! "God who touchest earth with beauty, make me lovely too, with thy Spirit recreate me, make my heart anew." "Like thy dancing waves in sunlight make me glad and free, like the straightness of the pine trees let me upright be" "Like thy rocks of towering grandeur, make me strong and sure. Like thy springs and running waters, make me crystal pure." Isaiah 35:6-7 Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs. In the haunts where jackals once lay, grass and reeds and papyrus will grow. The original work was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage hymnal pages, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Fire
    Fire
    Fire- Acts 13:52 “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” The original work was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage and handmade paper, gold leaf sheet, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Down To Earth
    Down To Earth
    Down to Earth- The original piece was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked paper, handmade paper, gold leaf sheet and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Wonderfully Made
    Wonderfully Made
    Wonderfully Made - Psalm 139 13-14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Each tiny bit that comes together to make you is truly a miracle! The muscles, tendons, veins, nerves, organs, heart, lungs, brain and so much more that come together to form you is amazing! But, that's not all, because you are not just body, you are also spirit. If you find yourself lacking in the physical, take heart and find strength in the very spirit of God that flows in and through you! Lift your head up, and take a deep breath! The original work was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, many layers of India Ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Be Still
    Be Still
    Be Still- The original work was created using layers of hand inked papers, with a foundation of acrylic paint. One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Women
    Women
    Women- This piece is very near and dear to my heart. I was sitting in church one morning and saw a picture in my mind. A group of women, a tribe, individuals, strong, timid, spiritual, joyful, beautifully multicultural and adorned with gifts. I was so excited and desperate to create it! Within a few days and with great joy it just flowed out of me! Things don’t usually happen that quickly! It is my hope that as a woman you will be able to see yourself in one or more of the women here. This is how our God sees and how we are to see ourselves and those around us. Every woman is unique, of high value and made for a purpose! The original work was created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, many layers of paint and ink, vintage glass stones and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!
  • Daughter.jpg
    Daughter.jpg
    Daughter- Galations 3:26-29 “ for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Proverbs 4:7-9 “ The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown." The original work is created using many layers, starting with acrylic paint as the foundation and building upon it with hand inked papers, vintage paper, cards, many layers of India ink and great passion! One of my favorite things about creating in this collage technique is the steps it takes to complete it. I love running my fingers over it upon the completion of each layer to the feel the textures and continue with the vision of the piece. I am truly connected to every work in my heart and soul!