Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Klara Chavarria. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Klara, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

Yes, I am very happy to have chosen the creative path and my passion of being an artist & designer. With all it’s challenges, it is what I love the most and I feel I was born to do. Sometimes I do wonder If I had chosen another path, how would that be, but don’t we all? It is part of the journey and questioning all, but as a professional working artist, you also have to manage and take care of all the other sides of the business, as with any other job or company, The administrative and marketing side; adds a nice balance to my art career.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I was born in Guatemala City. Living and working in the United States. I am a Visual Artist working in different mediums, specializing in painting for more than 25 years. I am a Graphic Designer, with over 20 years of experience.

In 1992 , I graduated as a Graphic Designer from the University Rafael Landívar in Guatemala City. I later obtained a Bachelor in Fine Arts, specializing in Painting and Graphic Design, at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS (1996).

I have taught and received painting, drawing, and sculpture workshops at different venues, including The Art Academy & Pendleton Arts Center in Cincinnati, OH. I have been part of artistic residences, including four years at the prestigious Anderson Ranch Art Center in Snowmass, Colorado.

I have exhibited my work individually in the United States and have participated in numerous group exhibitions in the USA and Guatemala. My work has won awards in the United States, and I have worked with different art dealers and galleries. The City of Miami Beach also selected my work/ design a Public Art Project from 2009 to 2010.

Some of my paintings are in private collections in Spain, the United States, Guatemala, France, México, Mónaco, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Spain, and Argentina. They are also part of important Corporate Art Collections across several companies, including MasTec, BBX Capital, City National Bank, BrunaSeals, Gurian Law Firm, and LAM Group, etc. Other collections include the Neuman Association of Chicago in the US and others in Guatemala City.

My work was also part of an exhibition and Public Collection at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, as well as at O’Hare International airport.

For over 20 years, I have had private art studios and gallery spaces across the United States, 15 of which were spent in Coral Gables/Miami, FL. I will now relocate and work on the West Coast in San Diego, California, where I will open a new studio & gallery in La Jolla.

My work is recognized for an expressionist style and deep themes & concepts dealing with anthropological themes in a symbolic and abstract form. I investigate the human condition, searching for answers to questions regarding existence and explores the experiences, relationships, and emotions, and their relationship to nature.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My particular business and individual goal and mission driving my life and creative journey is authenticity and making honest, real artwork that people love and make their lives better in any way.

I always try to remember it is a fight against myself, I try to remember to always be myself, to try to be better than I was yesterday, to learn, to be proud of what I am, what I have done and do.

Hopefully also with my work make the life of others better and unite in any way.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a time I was a full time Graphic Designer, and little by little I started working, exhibiting, focusing on my painting career. This was a great way for me to do both, not giving any pressure to either and to later on when ready, just focus on my artist career full time. Also, I think daily, you have small pivot decisions & times too. It’s about being present, positive and re invent yourself too.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.klarachavarria.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klarachavarria/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KlaraChavarria
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/klara-chavarria-kepfer-11b32336/
• Twitter: Klara Chavarria Kepfer@KlaraStudio

Image Credits
Photos courtesy of the artist studio: ©Klara Chavarria Art Studio & Practice.