Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Blair.
Hi Karen , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Crayola crayons in the box of 64 colors with the sharpener in the back, who among you remembers getting your first one? The smell of the wax, the range of color and the ability to maintain a sharp point are still fresh in my mind. A sense of wonder and possibility still come every time I open a tube of oil paint or gesso a canvas. I was lucky in my parents who encouraged me with my art or perhaps they recognized that I had no other readily discernable skills or ability. I attended The University of NC at Greensboro where I spent the majority of my time in studio art and art history classes.
Following crayons and college I found my way to The Virginia Museum Studio School which launched me in the direction of making art full time. I have had some notable mentors along the way who took me seriously and pushed me to work harder. The adage that hard work outweighs talent is true.
Along with making art I have forced myself to learn to use a computer for maintaining a website, bookkeeping and social media. I have had to recognize that I am running a small business. Making the best use of my time has been a hard lesson but I have made some good decisions including hiring an office assistant to come in once a week, having my canvases made by professionals and using a pack and ship business for sending art to galleries and clients.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If any artist has had a smooth road and you are reading this, please reach out! Being taken seriously as an artist was a long struggle and one I still encounter today when asked what I do and replying, “I am an artist.” having the reply be, “Oh that must be fun,” Can anyone imagine saying that to a physician or attorney? Learning to value my work and asking a fair price and keeping pricing consistant is a hard lesson. The requests for donations and discounts are a constant battle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
10 years ago I had an established practice of making colorful realistic paintings and I had wonderful gallery representation. Increasingly I was drawn to abstract art as I wandered museums, perused shelter magazines and looked at galleries. I realized that I wanted to live with abstract art in my own house. Taking a leap I began to create abstract paintings not knowing if my galleries would stick with me or not. I have never looked back. The new work was embraced wholeheartedly by my galleries, thank you one and all, and by collectors.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Making paintings, like writing books and composing music is a mostly solitary occupation. That being said, I am currently considering textile design as a possible next step. If anyone has a textile company, please reach out!
Contact Info:
- Website: karenblairartist.com
- Instagram: karenblairartist