"A MIRROR, A PRESENCE, a CONFIRMATION" Khea Sims

Q&A WITH ADIMA THOMPSON

Beginning stages of Adima's most recent ceramic project.

About Adima

Adima Thompson, a 19-year-old ceramicist, has recently been appointed as the new assistant for the Smith Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri. Despite her young age, Adima has already established herself as a dedicated and talented artist with a deep passion for ceramics and other creative mediums. She speaks often about her profound connection to art, describing it not only as a form of expression but also as a way to build community and preserve culture.

Amidst her busy workday, Adima finds time to savor the relaxing moments.

Q&A

Q: What is your role at the museum, and what does it involve day-to-day?

A: “The role is to be fluid and versatile; showing our community we’re here to support them through assisting in art handling, registration, business arrangements, and preparing artworks for display.”

Panel of art donated by the Smiths Foundation.

Q: What keeps you motivated and inspired in this field?

A: “My grandma used to work at the Smithsonian, that’s when my interest piqued. Hearing her stories about art history and how it transcends time and meaning, realizing spaces like museums hold those meanings in place, really sparked something.”

Adima’s grandmas’ favorite piece in the Smiths Foundation's newest collection

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself or your work in the next five years?

A: “Finishing up BFA, landing a concrete role in the Smiths Foundation, not solely an assistant but a part of leadership. Hopefully, I will be able to function without guidance and confidence. Sees herself striving for a master’s degree.”

Piece from Adima’s art portfolio. She has since given her art pieces to fellow artists to expand her horizons.

Q: When things get busy, how do you navigate creative blocks or challenges?

A: “When working with clay, there’s a need to learn how to pivot. Clay is such an unpredictable medium; it takes time, patience, delicacy, and refined techniques. The only way to get through that is to sit down and put in effort. If I’m frustrated with a piece, it means I’m making progress.”

An abstract piece belonging to Adima’s final art portfolio of her freshman year ceramic class.

Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your journey, and in what way?

A: “My art teachers. It’s hard for artists to work from a place of vulnerability and present work that’s criticized, seen, judged, and debunked. Sometimes, all you need to get through creative blocks is a space where your mentors allow you to think about yourself as an artist and what you value, instead of focusing on what you can produce. Which is exactly what my Uncle did for me.”

Q: What inspires the museum’s collection and exhibitions?

A: “It puts a spotlight on the black perspective; to show it’s more than a token, it’s a lifestyle. This collection creates a space that catalogs dynamic collections by women and all shades of the diaspora.”

Learn more about the collection from their Podcast, ArtMoves-Midwest https://artmoves-midwest.blubrry.net/.