ARTIST STATEMENT
I am Karen Fike, an artist based in Chicago. My specialty is creating acrylic and mixed media pieces on canvas, with a focus on figurative abstractions of women. Through my art, I aim to capture the strength and elegance of women while also exploring the tension between the beauty and chaos of shattered pieces of life that women hold together with grace.
To create my dynamic pieces, I use unique techniques such as flash glazes and textured mediums. These techniques allow me to create pieces that change with the light and angle, creating a sense of movement and life within the artwork.
As a female artist and advocate for women’s rights, my goal is to create captivating, “living” art that encourages deeper engagement and evokes strong emotions. I draw inspiration from the elusive green flash of a sunset or a lucid dream, and I strive to create pieces that have a similar dreamlike quality.
Over the years, I have exhibited my work in various galleries and shows, and I continue to create new and engaging artworks. For me, art is a way to explore the complexities of life and to connect with others on a deeper level.
ARTIST BIO
As a visual artist based in Chicago, I specialize in creating figurative abstract acrylic mixed-media on canvases. I have been painting since I was seven years old, thanks to the support of my parents and instructors. Growing up, my family and I constantly relocated throughout the country, presenting me with exciting vistas and the opportunity to forge my own identity at new schools.
In college, I majored in theater and discovered a hidden talent for scenic painting. After graduation, I pursued a career as an actor and interior designer, which eventually led me to Chicago. It was in 2015, while recovering from an illness, that I rediscovered my passion for painting and realized it was time to take center stage in my life again.
I use various materials in my artwork, including acrylic paint, alcohol inks, flash glazes, precious metal leaf, graffiti paints, and pens. My pieces often leave viewers on the cusp of some epiphany, with new details to discover as lighting and viewing angles change.
My nomadic lifestyle growing up has given me a unique perspective on life, constantly encountering new places and people that feel strangely familiar. These sensations are hard to capture, ethereal and vivid, like deja vu or sixth sense/premonitions. Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to explore the complexities of life and create art that connects with viewers on a deeper level.
© Karen Fike