At first glance, art professor Kristen Chiem’s occupation and the fact that she was born and bred in Southern California seem to make her background obvious; since Los Angeles is a center for art, it’s logical that her career pathway stemmed directly from where she grew up. It comes as an unexpected yet enthralling surprise to hear completely otherwise.
Though she was raised not too far from Pepperdine, in Orange County, Chiem traveled 3,000 miles after high school and attended Middlebury College, a small liberal arts school in Vermont. She originally planned to go to law school with an English major, but her plans changed after she took a couple of required courses during her first semester of college in order to complete her general education requirements. Upon venturing into a Chinese language class as well as an art history class, her interest in both subjects melded together when she discovered that her Chinese professor collected Chinese paintings.
After being exposed to what would be one of her greatest passions, she wound up studying abroad in China her junior year, spending her time studying Mandarin and researching for her senior thesis on contemporary Chinese painting. She even returned to China after graduating. Chiem may have taken a completely unexpected road, but her initial interests that led her to choose English as a major actually played a role in shaping her career as well. Her love for research and for writing led to her acceptance to Harvard University as well as UCLA, where she earned her master’s degree and her doctoral degree, respectively.
As a part of the Fulbright Fellowship at UCLA, she took the opportunity to work in the National Palace Museum in Taiwan. As she
was exposed to ancient cultural artworks, Chiem realized the importance of her study abroad experience.
“I realized the significance of art as an expression of humanity, ” Chiem said.
This very discovery of art and expression translates to her own students here at Pepperdine. When she first began teaching on this campus about three years ago, Chiem only taught an art history course on Chinese painting —but just like the rest of her story, she did not stick with merely the usual topics.
Now she teaches all sorts of art, Western and non-Western. Chiem said she takes joy in the fact that she has the chance to teach and work with a plethora of students and especially appreciates “those who are interested in exploring how art and culture relate to their everyday lives,” which turns out to be similar to her own perspective as she studied abroad. Acknowledging that nearby LA boasts countless museums and other cultural resources, Chiem said she “enjoys witnessing [her] students grow by engaging with their visual world,” as this interaction nurtures the idea of “thinking deeply about the ways in which [meaning is created] in our lives.”
She has been able to take from art not only commendable degrees and study-abroad experiences, but also a fresh perspective and a life stance, which is much more of a feat. With such an intentional, passionate viewpoint on the subject matter she teaches, it comes as no surprise that her students fully enjoy all of the courses that she offers.
While her concentration may be on art when she works, she loves to exercise in her free time. She fits right in with the active Malibu lifestyle as she loves hikes, trail runs and spin cycling. Chiem said she always has energy to burn off. She loves to cook with her husband, whether they experiment with recipes or share recipes with family and friends. Of course, Chiem says her most recent passion is her 7-month-old son.
It can’t be denied that Chiem’s occupation was unexpected. From the unanticipated interest in the arts — inspired by a G.E. course, no less — to an experience at an impressive Taiwanese museum, the twists and turns in Chiem’s journey double as blessings as well.
Students can find Chiem in AMB 307 during her office hours or register for any of her classes offered, including Chinese painting, non-Western art and art appreciation.
