For two Mercer Island natives, art has always been a quiet thread running through their lives — one that eventually led them across the Pacific to the shores of Hawaii. Though their creative paths began separately, both Kim and Avery found themselves drawn to the same island rhythm — a slower pace, a deeper connection to nature, and a renewed sense of purpose as artists.

Their backgrounds are rooted in curiosity and craft. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by evergreens, gray skies, and the shimmer of Lake Washington, they each developed a sensitivity to light and texture — something that now shows up in their art in unexpected ways. Whether through paint or metal, both women describe their early creative spark as something instinctive, shaped by their environment and the people who encouraged them to see the world differently.

Hawaii, though, brought a transformation. The colors alone — the ocean’s gradient blues, the rust-red soil, the lush greens — became a living palette. “You can’t not be inspired here,” one of them laughs. Life on the island moves differently, and that rhythm has seeped into their work. Mornings start with coffee and waves, and by afternoon, the studio doors are open, sunlight spilling across unfinished canvases and gemstones waiting to be set.

The collaboration between a painter and a jeweler might sound unexpected, but for Kim and Avery, it happened naturally. What began as mutual admiration for each other’s work turned into a shared creative vision — a dialogue between color and form. Their pieces often mirror each other: a painting inspired by the hue of a gemstone, a necklace echoing the fluid brushstrokes of a wave. Each art form amplifies the other, blurring the line between medium and message.

Working together has deepened their understanding of creativity itself — that it’s not just about talent or inspiration, but trust. “You have to let go a little,” they explain. “Collaboration means allowing your idea to evolve in someone else’s hands.” Their partnership has become a reflection of friendship — rooted in respect, shared intuition, and a willingness to grow.

Despite living thousands of miles from where they grew up, the Pacific Northwest still lingers in their work — in the misty tones, the layering of light, the quiet introspection. Hawaii has added vibrancy; Mercer Island, a sense of grounding. Together, those influences form the foundation of their artistic identity.

When asked what they hope people feel when encountering their work, their answer is simple: connection. Whether it’s a painting that recalls a moment of stillness or a piece of jewelry that carries the memory of the ocean, their goal is to create something that feels personal and alive.

Looking ahead, Kim and Avery are focused on expanding their joint collections and hosting small exhibitions that blend their two mediums. But for now, they’re content to live by the tides — creating, exploring, and building a life defined not by where they’re from or even where they are, but by what they create together.