Artist Spotlight...Karena Albert

There is a lovely lady out in blog land that is a great proponent of the arts, and interior design. Karena is a native of Kansas City and a member of the Kansas City Arts Coalition. She studied art at Johnson County Community College, and the University of California San Diego.  Karena is the embodiment of altruism.  I have never met Karena personally but have always been struck by her generous spirit.  I pop by her blog now and then but for some reason never took the time to REALLY explore her lovely work.  I thought I would do a post about her art since it struck a chord with me.  I also thought all of us wouldlove to know more about this wonderful person who supports so many others.


Here is my interview with Karena:
What is your background?
Although I spent many years in Real Estate, both here in Kansas City and in San Diego, I have always had a love of the arts; going to the theatre, the symphony, ballet, museums, designer show house tours, art openings and more. I have also been a Gallery Director and Marketing Director for another gallery.
Did you always want to be an artist?
It was not until my late husband died that I needed a new way to express myself and so I started taking classes at UCSD in San Diego. When I came back home to Kansas City I also studied with a variety of artists and art professors, going to a studio called Artichokes. It is closed now and I really miss the camaraderie of painting with other artists.
What inspires you?
Music, travel, design, fashion, an image, a thought, my family….so much!
What other artists do you admire?
Some would be Mark Rothko, Gerhard Richter, Picasso, Helen Frankenthaler, Marc Chagall, David Hockney, and many more.


What inspired your works? 
A need of self expression, of finding a way to put thoughts/ visions on canvas or paper; to take the ideas floating around in my head and create the image.


Which piece is your favorite?
There is a large one with a moody pink sky, a slash of vibrant yellow across the skyline and then a deep blue sea; it reminds me of a sunset on an endless ocean, then the knowing of a new dawn coming. It can become very easy for an artist to form an attachment to their works!
 
What would you call your style?
Generally, my most favored is minimalist abstract expressionism, although I have done paintings in many styles. I do love to work in large canvas format with oils the best.
How long have you been painting/drawing/etc? 
Off and on for about 20 years.

What's the best thing about being an artist?
The freedom of expression, the endless ways to use art materials in the way that best suits ones style. Exhibiting and knowing that your works of art are being loved and appreciated in someone’s home or office.
 What's the worst thing about being an artist? 
This is really a personal experience, as I am now on the road back to great health, (or will be after this next surgery) For several years I have been unable to paint as I’d like or to exhibit. That is what led to me using my blog to pay it forward and to support The Arts of all genres.
For other artists, simply because I do know so many, it can be finding your style, your audience, the venues, selling to collectors, and determining if one is able to make a career of being an artist.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Be true to yourself. Learn everything you possibly can, read about art and artists, write down your thoughts. Visit museums and galleries everywhere you go, and then just do it.
Also, in this day and age, you must be a marketer or hire one. Use social media to the fullest extent possible. Go out and meet as many gallery owners, collectors, curators, esteemed professors in the field, and find a mentor.
If  you would like to see what Karena is up to check out her blog here http://artbykarena.blogspot.com/.  If you are interested in any of her artwork email her here kalbert1@kc.rr.com. 
Thank you Karena for inviting us into your world! 

Cindy

All imagesabove are the property of Karena Albert