Kim Kay’s journey as an artist began in her childhood, shaped by the guidance of her grandmother, Mary Minot, known as 'Grandy.' Born in Kenya, Kim was surrounded by the landscapes and wildlife of East Africa, experiences that influenced her artistic path. Her grandmother, an accomplished artist, encouraged her early interest in drawing and painting, often sketching together and teaching Kim to observe the world in detail.

Over the years, Kim explored various mediums, including acrylic, graphite, charcoal, pastel, and ceramics. However, she found her true passion in oil painting, drawn to its rich textures and depth. Her work captures the essence of Africa, from its landscapes to its diverse birdlife and wildlife. More than just art, her paintings became a way to advocate for conservation. “It’s my hope that my art will serve as a voice for conservation.” Her commitment to wildlife preservation has led her to exhibit her work internationally in London, and locally in Johannesburg, Nelspruit, and White River. Her paintings are collected across Europe, America, and Australia. One of her most significant contributions was donating an oil painting of a bull elephant to Space for Giants, an international conservation charity. The artwork was displayed in the House of Lords and auctioned to support conservation efforts.

“Space for Giants aligns with my love for wildlife and my belief in educating people towards preserving Africa’s heritage,” Kim says. “Being born and raised in Kenya, it’s fulfilling to bring my art back to East Africa.”

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Another major contribution to conservation through her art was her participation in the 'Save the Waterberg Rhino' initiative, one of her all-time favourite exhibitions. Over several years, her works were auctioned in collaboration with Asprey, a prestigious British luxury brand known for its jewellery, craftsmanship and historical ties to royalty. All proceeds from these auctions were donated to rhino conservation efforts in the Waterberg area, directly supporting the protection of this endangered species.

Kim’s artistic practice continues to evolve, and she has recently found new inspiration in charcoal. “My recent works with charcoal have been an exciting process of understanding—that simplicity denotes the elegance of subject,” she explains. “Charcoal’s simplicity has a way of revealing the heart of a subject through light and shadow. It’s like listening to a solo piano—stripped back yet full of meaning, where every line and tone tells the story with absolute clarity. There’s something truly remarkable about taking a burnt piece of the earth and transforming it into something that captures the depth of the human experience—it's like creating a timeless, emotive snapshot from what once was - that feels like magic!”

From her Kenyan roots to her South African studio, Kim Kay’s work stands as both a celebration of Africa’s beauty and a call to protect it—inviting viewers to see, feel, and preserve the wild places that shape our shared heritage. Her sheer passion and devotion to nature and conservation is exhibited through her art with notable intentions of raising awareness and appreciation for the intricacy and beauty of wildlife.

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