As a Chicago-based artist, I specialize in mixed media on canvas, focusing primarily on figurative abstractions of women. As a female artist and advocate for women's rights, my aim is to depict female strength, elegance, and the tension between the beauty and chaos of shattered pieces of life that women hold together with grace. I use materials such as flash glazes and textured mediums to capture these moments in my artwork, creating dynamics in the paintings that take on a life of their own. The elements appear and disappear as the light and angles change, resulting in a "living" piece of art. My goal is to create captivating paintings that are hard to look away from and encourage the viewer to engage with the piece on a deeper level.
www.karenfikeart.com
What inspired you to focus on figurative abstractions of women in your mixed media work?
My inspiration comes from a deep admiration for the strength, resilience, and multifaceted nature of women. By abstracting the figure, I explore and express the complexity of feminine identity, breaking away from traditional representations to offer a more nuanced, layered portrayal.
How do you use materials like flash glazes and textured mediums to convey the strength and elegance of women?
Materials like flash glazes and textured mediums allow me to create surfaces that are both visually and tactilely engaging. Flash glazes, with their iridescent qualities, bring a sense of fluidity and movement to my work, reflecting the dynamic nature of feminine strength and elegance. Textured mediums add depth and complexity, symbolizing the layers of experiences and emotions that women embody. Together, these materials convey the duality of strength and grace inherent in the feminine form.
Can you describe your process for creating dynamic paintings that change with light and angles?
Creating dynamic paintings involves a meticulous layering process. I start with a base composition, building up layers of paint, glazes, and textures. Each layer interacts with light differently, creating a piece that shifts and evolves as the viewer moves around it. I often incorporate reflective and iridescent elements that catch and refract light, adding to the sense of movement and transformation. This process enhances the visual impact and symbolizes the ever-changing nature of identity and perception.
What messages or themes do you hope to communicate through the tension between beauty and chaos in your art?
The tension between beauty and chaos in my art reflects the complexities of life and identity. By juxtaposing these elements, I highlight the inherent contradictions and struggles that define the human experience, particularly from a feminine perspective. Beauty represents harmony, grace, and the ideal, while chaos symbolizes the challenges, conflicts, and raw emotions that disrupt this ideal. Through this interplay, I communicate a message of resilience and the transformative power of embracing both aspects of existence.
How does your advocacy for women's rights influence your artistic practice?
My advocacy for women's rights profoundly influences my artistic practice. It drives me to create works that not only celebrate women's strength and beauty but also challenge societal norms and highlight issues of gender inequality. My art becomes a platform for raising awareness, sparking dialogue, and inspiring change. By addressing these themes, I seek to empower women and contribute to the broader movement for gender equality.
What do you find most rewarding about creating "living" pieces of art that engage viewers on a deeper level?
Creating "living" pieces of art that engage viewers on a deeper level is immensely rewarding because it fosters a dynamic relationship between the artwork and the audience. These pieces invite viewers to interact, reflect, and connect with the art personally. The shifting nature of the work encourages repeated viewings, revealing new aspects and insights over time. This ongoing engagement enriches the viewer's experience and deepens their understanding and appreciation of the themes I explore.
How has living and working in Chicago shaped your artistic vision and the subjects of your paintings?
Living and working in Chicago has significantly shaped my artistic vision and the subjects of my paintings. The city's vibrant art scene, diverse cultural landscape, and rich architectural heritage provide endless inspiration. Chicago's dynamic energy and urban environment influence my use of bold colors, intricate textures, and complex compositions. Additionally, the city's history of social activism and its ongoing efforts toward equality resonate with my advocacy for women's rights, further informing the themes and messages in my work.
