by Rich DuBose and Kim Green
Santa Fe, New Mexico is widely known as "The City Different" because of its unique history, marked architecture, robust arts scene, and multiethnic heritage. It is also the capital of New Mexico, located in the north central section of the“Land of Enchantment.”
Scribbles conducted an Interview with Kim Green, an artsy friend of Rich's, who lives with her husband, Jim, in Santa Fe.
Rich - Kim, you live in a community that for many years has been a haven for artists, writers, and musicians. You and Jim have lived in many parts of the country over the years and could have chosen to retire anywhere you wanted. Why did you choose to retire in Santa Fe?
Kim - I would say primarily because it is the "City Different" with its rich cultures, arts, food, and general quirkiness. It is a place where many different types of people have lived and coexisted together for hundreds of years. There is deep history here, and that fascinates me as well. Both Jim and I enjoy the four seasons, but a milder and shorter winter. Many people think that Santa Fe is very hot, but it is not. It is a High Desert location; however, it rarely goes above 92 in summer and 30s and 40s in winter. There is also a great deal of natural beauty that has attracted artists, visitors, and many others through the centuries.
Rich - It is a beautiful area. But you’re not just an observer of beauty and art. You like to create it at times. Tell us which mediums you like to work with and some of what you’ve done in the past.
Kim - Initially, years ago, I came to Santa Fe to take a class in glass etching, which blended creativity with commercial aspects. The school specialized in teaching those who were interested either as a hobby or as a potential business. I ended up taking a few classes and learned about the process and business of glass etching. I love glass in general and have also taken a class in stained glass painting, which is a specialty in its own right. I have not taken hot glass classes because that process hasn't appealed to me. You do learn what appeals to you (or not) as you go through the processes of learning the different forms of glass.
Another challenging art form that I enjoyed was enameling, which has ancient roots. I took a class with advanced students so I could observe them working. Some of them had been doing it for many years and were, in effect, professionals in their own right. The teacher told me that some of them could teach the class themselves and only came in to use the equipment. I gained a great appreciation of the time and skill it took to produce enamel work.
I have enjoyed pen and ink, painting, sculpture, which are usually taught as foundational art classes to begin with. I have not done printing, though it has appealed to me as a "liney" and precise art medium. I have enjoyed designing special occasion cards because that incorporates all of the above as well. I have also taken some graphic design and found it challenging to "think" with the computer; however, it lacks the "feel" of using a hands-on instrument.
I would also add that, in the past 10-15 years, writing has appealed to me the most. I took classes in copywriting and wrote some video scripts, which I really enjoyed. One of the projects I also produced and directed. It was a creative and enjoyable experience working with the videographer.
Rich - Wow you have a broad spectrum of interests, which keeps life interesting. It's hard to be bored with all of those interests. As you look ahead do you see yourself focusing on one area for a bit to accomplish a goal or project?
Kim - I am a very "artsy fartsy" person, but I have found that working with people is my main passion now. I am planning to start a business/ministry this coming year, coaching others to discover their spiritual purpose and develop their gifts. I worked for 20 years in Human Services and find that it is a very good fit for me at this stage of my life.
Rich - OK, so looking into the future, you envision that your greatest works of art might involve helping people discern why they are here? Or, could we put it this way, living in Santa Fe, you’re seeing a potential ministry in helping other creatives discover how to use their gifts to bless the world and bring good to life?
Kim - I would say that, looking into the future, my next creative venture, whether it be a business or a ministry (or a combination of both), will be working with faith-based individuals or groups interested in growing their spirituality and/or finding purpose in life. There is nothing more challenging/satisfying/
Rich - Thank you for sharing with us, Kim. I wish you well as you use your gifts to inspire others.
Rich DuBose writes from Northern California. Photo by Airam Dato-on, with Pexels. On the web at: richdubose.com. All Rights Reserved © 2025. Join me on Blue Sky @spiritrenew.bsky.social.