We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alla Karasik a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alla , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

During the quiet days of COVID, I found myself creating art as a way to express and cope with the stillness. It was during this time that O, my character, was conceived. Not much was happening in the world then, but I got the opportunity to participate in a small art show. I didn’t think much about it beyond being incredibly grateful for the chance to share my work.

The show was filled with incredible artists who had been showcasing their work for years, and seeing my art displayed among theirs was truly humbling. To my utter surprise, the original piece of O sold that night. It was such an unexpected moment—it caught me off guard in the best way.

After that, friends began encouraging me to share more of my art. But it wasn’t easy. I had no clue how to navigate social media, no idea how to document or share my artistic journey, and honestly, I didn’t understand why it mattered. I’d been a sheltered artist for most of my life, creating for myself without thinking of sharing it with the world.

Selling that first piece of O was a turning point. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to take the leap of showing my work publicly. It was a risk I could have easily sidestepped, but I’m so glad I didn’t. The experience has been transformative, not only in growing as an artist but in realizing how meaningful it is to share my art—and, in turn, my voice—with others.

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 back background and context?

I’m a New York-based artist whose journey into art has been deeply influenced by my lifetime of living in New York as well as my background in the fashion, and my personal growth journey. After pursuing a career in fashion design, I returned to creating art as a relaxation method in 2018, and that’s when O, my character, was born. Fashion continues to inspire much of my art, especially in how I approach themes and create unique makeup looks for O. Each piece I create has a stylized look for O that is meant to convey a different feeling, adding layers of meaning and emotion to the artwork.
What makes O stand out is her form—she’s made up of circles, a decision I made early on to give her a sense of formlessness, while the true focus remains on the expression of her face. O’s face says it all, which is why it’s the focal point of each painting. Whether she’s bold and unapologetic or introspective, O’s face communicates the emotion of the piece and invites viewers to connect with the artwork on a deeper level.
I create mixed-media works that blend fashion, beauty, and nature-inspired elements. My pieces are designed to spark curiosity, empower the viewer, and inspire reflection. What sets me apart is my commitment to infusing each work with a personal touch, whether it’s the intricate makeup looks on O or the symbolic details that invite contemplation. I’ve grown tremendously as an artist, learning how to share my voice and connect with others. What I’m most proud of is the emotional impact my work has had, as it encourages others to embrace their own boldness and beauty. Through my art, I hope to inspire a sense of wonder and self-expression in everyone who encounters it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection my work fosters with others. It brings me so much joy when I hand someone a sticker I’ve created, and it lights up their face with a giant smile. After doing so many shows in the last year, it still surprises me how deeply people connect with my art. Getting to experience that connection in person has been one of the most transformative parts of my art journey. The interactions with people, whether at an art show, gathering, or on social media, remind me of why I do this work—it’s not just about creating something beautiful, but creating something that resonates and brings joy.

By far, though, the most rewarding part of committing to this art journey is being able to model perseverance and passion for my daughter. She’s known me as a professional designer all her life, and there were times I could take her into a store and point out something I’d designed. Now, she gets to witness this new chapter of my life—from the creation of my art to the way people experience it in real life. Whether at shows or when someone wears my merch, she’s seeing me pursue something new and see it through to fruition. It’s important for me to empower her by showing her that with hard work and determination, you can reinvent yourself and follow your passions—no matter where you start.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, the best way society can support artists & creatives is by fostering an environment that values art not just as a product, but as a vital part of our culture and daily lives. Art is so much more than something to hang on a wall—it has the power to inspire, provoke thought, and bring people together. To truly support artists, we need to invest in creating spaces for them to showcase their work, from galleries to public spaces, and we need to make those spaces accessible to all.

One of the biggest ways to support creatives is through education and mentorship. Providing opportunities for emerging artists to learn, grow, and connect with established professionals in the industry is essential for a thriving creative community. It’s important to create pathways for collaboration and allow artists to share their knowledge and skills. These networks help artists develop their craft while also fostering a sense of community and solidarity.

Additionally, society should continue to embrace and elevate the role of social media and online platforms as tools for artists to reach a wider audience. It’s also incredibly important for artists to have in-person “third places”—spaces where they can come together for the sole purpose of building strong community, uplifting one another, and nurturing their creative spirits. These spaces allow for collaboration, support, and the sharing of ideas, which can be transformative for both personal growth and artistic development. Having these places to connect outside of the digital world helps to build a grounded and resilient creative community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://allakart.com/
• Instagram: @allak_art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071471057727

Image Credits

Kelly M Coffey & Darcy Rogers