A former colleague suggested I contact Kim Watson to write an article on his new book, Trespass.
Prior to our meeting, I perused Kim’s website. It features many projects that he’s created as a writer, director, photographer, and author, with his new book, Trespass being at the forefront.
I saw the correlation instantly between what was shared on the site and what I witness in Santa Monica and neighboring communities daily with concern about homelessness.
Upon interviewing Kim, the thought of ‘I am my brother’s keeper came to mind,’ as he shared how this project came to fruition. Kim has always had a heart to help others.
However, COVID provided a unique opportunity for him to do this in a creative way. Studio projects came to a halt, causing Kim to grapple with what he would focus his time on. Then a very unique idea came to mind!
For many years, Kim has always given his time and money to people dealing with the effects of food insecurity and homelessness. He knew these individuals by name, their unique stories, and they knew him.
Whether he met these individuals through organizations, or on the street, it made no difference to him, as the call was the same. They needed assistance. So, he took the time to stop his life and offer what he could.
He then started sharing these stories on his social media account. One of his prior colleagues who had started a boutique literary agency, reached out after reading many of these stories. She told him she believed he had a book that needed to be published.
Kim never shared these stories with the intention of creating a book. He was just using his gifts to spotlight real issues and stories. He delved deeper, decided to act, and Trespass was born!
Kim continued to take poignant and captivating photographs of each unhoused person, while crafting pieces highlighting their stories.
The photograph on the cover of the book seizes your attention, immediately making you want to know more of what’s hidden inside the book's pages.
Kim is also working on turning this book into a documentary as I type. He also has held numerous book signings and photo exhibitions, and now speaks at universities and businesses to raise awareness.
Kim has shown that he ‘is indeed his brother’s keeper,’ by doing his part to help rectify and change trajectories through his writings and actions. To learn more about Trespass and upcoming events, please visit kimwatsonart.net.
By Stacy McClendon
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