Kim Schifino

Kim Schifino could make you smile while she kicked your ass.  Better than that, she's half of the happy-rock duo Matt and Kim.  And even better: her artwork.



Have you always imagined these characters as cut-out figures or did that come later? What is the origin of these superheroes and angels?

These characters started sometime ago as just linoleum cuts. It wasn't until a few years ago that I started the wood cut outs. The orgin of these characters are people that I see on the street or subway. Your everyday joe.

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Superheroes can fly. Angels can fly. Superheroes save lives. Angels, at least guardian angels, save lives. What else do they have in common?

My feelings on superheroes and angels are based on what I felt as a child and what I hear older relatives talk about as they are approaching their final years. When I was a child I believed that superheroes were protecting us and relatives talk of angels watching over us. I am at the point now that I believe there is nothing super or magical about a hero. It could be the toll collector, the homeless man on the street, the woman sitting next to you on the subway. It could be you. Everyone has to watch out for themselves and I hope everyone will help eachother out in a time of need. I mean after watching a kick ass action movie with vigilanties in it I do like to daydream that i could take on that life style. That would be sweet.

Your superheroes seem depressed and the angels seem bored...

Ha, i think it is pretty funny in comparison to me... very opposite.

I could see whole comic books or cartoons featuring some of these characters. Who are your influences?

I would have to say the working class.

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Before this show, I knew you only though your band Matt and Kim. I find your music to be extremely joyful and lighthearted while this work seems very melancholy... How do you compare your visual art to your music?
 
They do differ for the fact that our music is happy while my characters seem very depressed. For some reason I am attracted to those characters visually but it i can only listen to upbeat music. No slow stuff!

I think the comparison in our music and my art is that it is for everyone. We try to keep it obtainable by all viewers and listeners.

Matt and Kim certainly have a devoted fan-base in Brooklyn, and youve taken to the road a few times, whats it like on tour?

We are currently on our fourth pass through the US and only have been a band less than two years. I guess you can say we love touring. It is nice to check out different parts of town. I really like that we have now developed a good group of friends in different areas around the u.s that welcome us with open arms and make touring alot easier.

I am also very lucky to be touring with matt. We get along so well and couldn't imagine it working with anyone else.

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Future plans?

To keep touring and making art for our short stops at home. I alreay have a few pieces i want to work on when we get back home... in 2 months.


Matt and Kim are on tour now!  Check their website for details.

Downloads

Silvertiles.mp3
Yeayeah.mp3
5k.mp3
Jesse Jane.mp3

Websites

http://www.mattandkimmusic.com
http://www.myspace.com/mattandkim

Photos

Ed Zipco

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