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This episode of the Arts to Hearts Project Podcast is about starting something new later in life and the real hurdles that come with it. Host Charuka opens the chat by discussing how many of us feel stuck due to age, job, or fear of looking silly online and asks the questions we all think about but rarely say out loud.
Kim Hamburg, a former biology teacher, shares how she began making art just two years ago, fought imposter syndrome, asked her kids for support, and slowly stepped into social media (starting under a different name). She discusses learning new tools, posting frequently, teaching classes, and even working on brand development—while also adapting what motherhood looks like now that her kids are grown.
Key takeaways: give yourself permission to start, let go of guilt, learn as you go, protect what matters, and keep going even when it feels scary. If you’re wondering whether it’s “too late,” this conversation says it isn’t.
This set effectively summarizes and segments the detailed content of the interview into easily navigable chapters for viewers.
00:19 Conversation between Kim and Charuka Arora on Art, Motherhood, and Professionalism
02:25 Interview with Kim: Crafting and Experimentation as a Mother and Artist
03:55 Interview with Kim: Exploring the Journey of Finding Freedom Through Art
10:54 Conversation Between Kim and Charuka Arora on Social Media Inhibitions
18:31 Conversation on Artistic Expression and Therapeutic Benefits of Art
20:07 Conversation with Artist Kim: Exploring Authentic Art and Engagement
21:38 Conversation with Artist Kim on Pricing and Selling Artwork
27:37 Conversation between Charuka Arora and Kim on the Challenges of Learning New Technology and Business Skills at Age 50
29:15 Conversation on Balancing Work and Home Life
42:32 Conversation on Breaking the Patriarchy and Empowerment
43:52 Conversation between Kim and Charuka Arora on Embracing a New Chapter and Pursuing Artistic Dreams
About the Guest(s):
Kim Hamburg (aka gluepaperscissors) is a very talented collage artist. Her collages remind of a beautifully controlled chaos. Unexpected images connected to make one fun vibrant piece. Mostly her constellation revolves around a female subject.
Her Instagram bio reads: “Full-time Foster Mom, part-time artist Self-taught works from home. Always needs a new glue stick”. I stumbled upon Kim’s pieces and immediately knew I wanted her to become part of our next issue.
It is fun and also calming to look at them and search for all the different little pieces that make up her collages.
Episode Summary:
This podcast episode of Arts to Hearts Project features a conversation between Kim Hamburg, an artist, and creator, and Charu Kaarora, which is an inspiring exploration of art, motherhood, and professionalism. Kim shares her experiences as an artist and mother, discussing the importance of experimentation and craftsmanship, pricing and selling artwork, and the advantages of aging and why it’s never too late to start again.
They explore the journey of finding freedom through art, the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression, the joy of creating art, the challenges of learning new technology and business skills, balancing work and home life, letting go of guilt, women’s multitasking and awareness of safety, inclusivity in the art world, breaking the patriarchy, and embracing a new chapter.
Charuka encourages Kim to pursue her artistic dreams and suggests hiring an assistant. The conversation is an inspiring exploration of art, motherhood, and professionalism. This conversation is a must-listen for any creative looking to gain insight into the life of an artist.
Key Takeaways
- 00:19 Conversation between Kim and Charuka Arora on Art, Motherhood, and Professionalism
- 02:25 Interview with Kim: Crafting and Experimentation as a Mother and Artist
- 03:55 Interview with Kim: Exploring the Journey of Finding Freedom Through Art
- 10:54 Conversation Between Kim and Charuka Arora on Social Media Inhibitions
- 18:31 Conversation on Artistic Expression and Therapeutic Benefits of Art
- 20:07 Conversation with Artist Kim: Exploring Authentic Art and Engagement
- 21:38 Conversation with Artist Kim on Pricing and Selling Artwork
- 27:37 Conversation between Charuka Arora and Kim on the Challenges of Learning New Technology and Business Skills at Age 50
- 29:15 Conversation on Balancing Work and Home Life
- 42:32 Conversation on Breaking the Patriarchy and Empowerment
- 43:52 Conversation between Kim and Charuka Arora on Embracing a New Chapter and Pursuing Artistic Dreams.
Notable Quotes:
You have to give yourself permission to do it, and that was my biggest thing.”
“When I first started, I thought, ‘Oh, I’m not good. How can I be getting followers, and because who am I?’”
“I actually went to each of my children and I said, is it okay that I’m spending all this time making this art?”
“For the first year of me being on Instagram I was Susan Bear, and I did not change my name to Kim Hamburg until after I got like 10,000 followers.”
“If you would’ve asked me three or four years ago would I be in this spot, I would have said no… I mean, I’m even an influencer now.”
Charuka Arora is the founder of the Arts to Hearts Project and Host of the Arts to Hearts Podcast. She is also an acclaimed Indian artist known for her contemporary embellished paintings. Her unique blend of gouache, collage, embroidery, painting, and drawing explores the intersection of art, culture, heritage, and womanhood. Through her work, she tells stories of female strength and encapsulates them in pieces that can be treasured for generations.
Charuka’s work draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, recognizing women as vessels of Shakti, the cosmic energy. She beautifully portrays powerful goddesses like Durga Maa riding a tiger or lion, symbolizing their unlimited power to protect virtue and combat evil.
Through her art, Charuka invites us into the world of women, showcasing their beauty, strength, and resilience. Her creations not only exhibit exceptional talent but also serve as an inspiration and a symbol of hope for those challenging societal norms.
Arts to Hearts Podcast is a show delving into the lives and passions of renowned artists. From running creative businesses and studio art practices to cultivating a successful mindset, Charuka Arora engages in heartfelt conversations with her guests. Experience your personal happy hour with your favorite artists right in your studio.
Through candid discussions, Charuka and her guests reveal the joys and challenges of a vibrant creative life, both within and beyond our studios. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted as you tune in.
On this episode of the Arts to Hearts Project Podcast, Charuka sits down with Kim Hamburg, a former teacher turned artist, to discuss starting something new later in life, overcoming self-doubt, and stepping into spaces that once felt intimidating. Kim’s story is one that many of us can see ourselves in, balancing family, career, and finally making room for something that brings joy.
“I never took an art class”
When asked when she began making art, Kim shares that it’s been only about two years. But in reality, she’s always been a maker. As a child, she loved crafts and making things with her hands. Professionally, though, her life took a different turn. She taught biology in middle school and also had a background in early childhood education.
Despite always having that creative pull, she had never taken a formal art class in high school or college. Picking up art later in life was self-driven entirely, with no training, just the urge to create.
Permitting herself to start
Charuka points out how hard it can be for many people to change course, especially later in life. Kim agrees and admits that the most challenging part was permitting herself to do it.
She also had to face imposter syndrome. At first, she questioned if she was “good enough” and wondered why people were following her. It took time, but she eventually got past that mindset.
Motherhood also played a role. Kim describes the guilt of spending hours on art and how she went to each of her children to ask if it was okay. Their response was clear: “Make your art.” That support gave her the confidence to keep going.
Today, Kim creates constantly. She shares that she often makes several pieces a day and posts daily, sometimes more than once. For her, it feels like catching up on all the years she didn’t make art.
From Susan Bear to Kim Hamburg
Social media was a whole new territory for Kim. Before Instagram, she wasn’t on any platform—not Facebook, not Twitter, not even sharing photos.
When she first joined Instagram, she didn’t use her real name or face. She called herself “Susan Bear,” a mix of her middle name and a teddy bear photo she had. For the first year, that was her online identity. It wasn’t until she had around 10,000 followers that she switched to her real name.
The hesitation wasn’t only about confidence—it was also practical. As a foster parent, Kim had to protect her children’s privacy. She only felt comfortable sharing her identity after her daughter turned 18.
Even now, she says she’s still a bit hesitant with social media. She only joined Facebook recently, and that was because she had to create a group for a class she taught.
When I first started, I thought, ‘Oh, I’m not good. How can I be getting followers, and because who am I?’
Kim Hamburg- Arts to Hearts podcast s05e10
Learning new skills along the way
One surprising part of this new journey has been how much learning it required. Kim laughs about how she now owns a MacBook, uses Photoshop, edits photos, and navigates things she never imagined she would.
Requests from magazines and collaborations pushed her to level up, learning how to create high-resolution files and submit professional work. Her daughter, who is in graduate school for museum exhibition and design, helps her with the technical side, which has been an enormous support.
Kim says she never expected to find herself in this place, let alone being called an “influencer” or collaborating with brands. Yet here she is, making reels, sponsoring products, and teaching classes.
For the first year of me being on Instagram I was Susan Bear, and I did not change my name to Kim Hamburg until after I got like 10,000 followers.
Kim Hamburg- Arts to Hearts podcast s05e10
Shifting priorities as a mom
One of the most revealing aspects of the conversation is how Kim describes her role as a mother. She used to be the classic “helicopter mom,” always making sure her kids had everything.
She shares an example of her daughter’s recent birthday. In the past, she would have sent a care package, arranged for a cake, or ensured that something special was delivered. This year, she sent money through Venmo and told her daughter she was busy with podcast interviews and classes.
Her daughter was okay with it, and Kim sees that as part of the change; her kids understand that this work is vital for her. They see how much happiness and success it brings, and they support it.
Loving the process, no matter what
At the end of the day, Kim says she’d still be making art even if she weren’t doing it at this scale. Maybe she wouldn’t be creating three reels a day, but she’d still be making, because she loves it.
The difference now is that she no longer feels guilty about it, no longer hides behind a fake name, and no longer doubts whether she belongs in this space.
Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to try something new, and sometimes the most challenging part isn’t the skill itself, it’s permitting yourself to begin.
If you would’ve asked me three or four years ago would I be in this spot, I would have said no… I mean, I’m even an influencer now.
Kim Hamburg- Arts to Hearts podcast s05e10
Kim’s journey shows that it’s never too late to start something new. From being a school teacher to becoming an artist and even stepping into the online world, she proves that growth can happen at any stage of life. The support of her kids, the willingness to learn, and the courage to show up every day have kept her going. Her story is a push for anyone who’s been holding back—sometimes the first step is just permitting yourself.
Click here to read more about the Arts to Hearts Podcast and its episodes.
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