Black Paris Profiles™: Kim Powell – Part 2

Last week, Kim Powell talked about her photography and a life-changing visit to Sri Lanka. This week, she continues to discuss her work as a photographer and also talks about Paris and the various activities that she pursues here. Part 2 of a two-part interview follows.


*****************

Kim Powell
Photo courtesy of Kim Powell
Let’s turn our attention to the city of Paris. What is your favorite area of Paris to walk in?

When I need inspiration, I walk from the Nikki de Saint Phalle fountain (near the Centre Pompidou), past Le Forum des Halles, to Etienne Marcel (Place de la Victoire), and end at the Jardin du Palais Royal.

Tell us about the projects that the city has inspired. In particular, tell us what aspects of the city you featured and why.

Flowers:

They were my favorite subject as a child when I received my first camera at the age of seven. I never focused on the entire flower but always got close to see what was going on inside, attracted to the color and graphic details. Though I now occasionally view a flower as a whole, for the most part my style has not changed . . . always macro. It is a peaceful experience and one that brings me back to the comfort of home.

My favorite gardens are: Jardin des Plantes, Tuileries, Bagatelle, Palais Royal, and Albert Khan. Photos from this project (Secret Garden) have been included in both solo and group exhibitions.

Vitrines (Shop windows):

It all began with a photo I took of a store window that reflected the upside-down pyramid at the Caroussel du Louvre. The pyramid combined with the activity of people walking behind me on their way to the Louvre created an almost 3D image. From that moment I experimented with other vitrines; as an avid window shopper it was an easy task! Paris was the launching pad, but I have also shot vitrines in New York and still indulge in it in my present travels.

Photos from this project (‘Window Shopping’) have been included in both solo and group exhibitions, and several editorial projects have resulted from this portfolio.

Have you ever taught photography formally or as a hobby?

I have taught photographic workshops to teenagers in the Anglophone community over the past few years and hope to continue in the future and have proposed a similar program to a few French schools. I’d love to take this venture to the States.

In your opinion, what does it take to be successful as a photographer?

Being successful in photography requires perseverance and hard work. It’s important to stay true to Your Vision and surround yourself with positive influences and individuals.

Do what you do. It's your journey, not anyone else's.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax after a photo shoot?

I tend to work quickly and move around a lot, it’s almost like an aerobic workout . . . cameras are sooooo heavy! So I take a bubble bath to relax my muscles and then have a glass of champagne!

What is your definition of home?

My definition of home is ever changing. At the moment it is a physical place, either Connecticut or Paris.

How much time do you spend in Paris vs. the U.S. these days?

I've always been fortunate enough to be able to go "home" whenever I wished, so I don't really keep track. When I do travel to the U.S. now, I probably do stay for longer amounts of time.

Is there a particular reason for this division of time?

My mom just turned 75 this year, my daughter is a college sophomore in the States, and I have project research and collaborations on-going there.

Community activities are an important part of your life. You were active in Girl Scouts for many years. Please tell us about this experience.

Girl Scouting was an important part of my life. I discovered that there was an American Girl Scout program in Paris – USA Girl Scouts Overseas-Paris, France – and when my daughter Ava reached the age to join, I signed her up. I knew she would meet girls like herself, living in bicultural families.

Kim and her daughter Ava
Photo courtesy of Kim Powell

The program has always been about more than camping and selling cookies. It has evolved over the years, serving the needs of the girls with emphasis on self-esteem, leadership, community, advocacy, sciences, & technology. Thirteen years later, Ava and I are Lifetime members. I began as a Brownie troop leader, and then took on positions in which I was responsible for PR, Community Outreach, and Fun Development. I served as the Overseas Committee Chair for four years (2000-2004). During my term, the membership increased significantly and USAGSO-Paris became the largest Overseas Committee served by New York. The diversity of the membership shifted to include girls from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. Through my work with other organizations, I was able to find service opportunities, internships, volunteers, mentors, and donors for Girl Scouts.

I continue to support Girl Scouts because it champions women and girls supporting each other, allowing each to be an individual, providing leadership opportunities in an accepting environment and giving back to the community. I try to stay actively involved as an advisor to teenage girls trying to earn their Gold Award.

You were also an active participant in AAWE. Tell us about your involvement with this organization.

AAWE is a non-profit volunteer association of American women who, as permanent residents of France, share interests specific to bicultural living. I initially joined the organization about 10 years ago in search for bicultural children’s activities for Ava. Soon after, the position of Historian became available. Because the job was to provide photographic coverage for all events, I jumped at the chance to lend my expertise and become more involved. As this was a board position, I was able to gain an inside view of the organization as well as exposure to the activities and events that AAWE members participated in most.

After serving as Historian, I helped form and chaired the Art Committee (which facilitated member artists’ ability to exhibit their work), creating a new environment for support and exchange. Four years later, I was elected President and served for three consecutive terms.

During my terms, my priorities were to work with the Board to make AAWE more accessible, to improve the diversity of the membership, and to increase the organization’s involvement with the community at-large. We made a concerted effort to attract and cultivate new and perspective members and their families. As a result, membership increased and the demographics changed.

AAWE is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and remains strong in the areas of education, bilingualism, biculturalism, and citizenship, and continuously provides activities for children and families as well as supporting the very active seniors’ committee.

I am proud to say that I have the distinction of being the longest serving president and first African American of both USA Girls Scouts Overseas-Paris and AAWE!

************

Would you like to see Entrée to Black Paris' Black Paris Profiles™ published as a book?
Complete the brief survey (less than 2 minutes time) at the following link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BlackParisProfiles

to let me know!

************

Entrée to Black Paris!™ is a Discover Paris! blog.