We were lucky to catch up with Karen Chan recently and have shared our conversation below.

Karen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

I feel incredibly blessed to immerse myself in creative work, driven by my passion for art and the appreciation of both visible and unseen beauty. My creativity allows me to connect with numerous people through various channels- my oil paintings, art classes and workshops and also the creation of art kits.

Fourteen years ago, while homemaking, I started working part-time as an art instructor for elementary and middle school kids. My passion for art took a different turn just before pandemic when I started painting in oil and subsequently began selling my artwork. The success of painting sales and the rich experience gained from teaching in the classroom opened up opportunities to venture into running adult classes and workshops.

In my latest endeavor, I have delved into creating art kits for children, featuring 30-minute recorded lessons, This production has met with a good demand from local libraries and other organisations, This provides a great solution for time and logistical challenges and allows me to reach a broader audience.

Creativity extends beyond the canvas into business and marketing, where innovation is crucial. Despite contemplating the idea of working a regular job now that my kids are grown, I can’t honestly say yes and remain true to myself. While a secure paycheck may be tempting. I find greater fulfillment in facing challenges and providing myself with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Ultimately, what I do uplifts many people who resonate with my art. That is truly what brings joy and happiness to my life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

From my earliest memories, my passion has always revolved around creative expressions. I vividly recall the moment when I first laid my hands on a pencil, I showcased a cascade of drawings not only on walls but also furniture at my parents’ house. The habit continued until my mom had to intervene with a cane. Even in schools, I found myself doodling instead of taking notes while listening to teachers.

Life disrupted my creative path during the earlier stages of adult life with me raising a young family. However, it seems like the calling of one’s life, it has found its way back to me. I started teaching kids art classes part time 14 years ago while still managing homemaking responsibilities.
Now that my children are grown, I have more time at my hand to pursue the passion of my heart. I love to paint still life in oil and were able to sell my artwork through local gallery, art shows and online.

Through art classes and workshops, I’ve built friendships with my students, who consistently express gratitude for the value they gain from my teaching. Witnessing their progress and providing encouragement to help them achieve their goals bring me so much happiness. Even those without painting experience are amazed at their new found ability, challenging the misconception that art is only for the talented.

Conducting sporadic workshops throughout the year, I’ve facilitated corporate team-building sessions, bridal painting workshops, birthday and Holiday painting workshops. Participants thoroughly enjoy these events, connecting with each other while unleashing their creativity. Notably, these are not just “sip and paint” events. I structure my classes to be both enjoyable and educational.

As an artrepreneur, I launched my first art kits during the pandemic, receiving hundreds of orders from local libraries. I am dedicated to nurturing young children in the fundamentals of art. Starting my creative journey as an art teacher for kids, I have worked with countless children, guiding them through oil pastels projects. While my path has shifted towards oil and acrylics painting, I had to decline certain teaching engagements. However, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to educate and nurture young children. This led to the concept of recording short 30-minute lessons and assembling them into kits, allowing me to reach a broader audience in less time.

I strive to stay in line with my mission statement, which is, “To Inspire, To Educate and To Serve”.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding part of being an artist is to realize the profound impact that art could have on a viewer that resonates with my creation. It is beyond just enhancing the aesthetic of a home. Art brought connections, uplifting spirit, bringing back fond memories. The stories and comments from my art collectors bring immense joy. For instance, a client from Virginia purchased nine paintings during the pandemic, expressing that my art provided her with a sense of peace and joy during isolation.

Another collector acquired nearly every pumpkin painting I’ve created, intending to gift each one to her children as they leave home. She affectionately refers to her kids as “pumpkin,” and each painting symbolizes one of her children. Still other numerous stories emerge, connecting certain fruits and still-life paintings to cherished memories of loved ones.

Many pieces of my paintings have found new homes across the United States, and a couple have even found homes internationally, in Malaysia and Bermuda.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I used to grapple with the perception that artists are disorganized individuals, lacking a structured approach or knowledge of their craft. Many believe that creating captivating art involves simply splattering paint on a canvas and freely waving paintbrushes. This notion is particularly untrue when it comes to traditional painting, where a significant amount of structure underlies each piece.

Contrary to the misconception, the old masters apprenticed for seasons before producing noteworthy paintings Educating oneself plays a pivotal role in enhancing painting abilities. Additionally, the term “Starving Artist” is commonly used, especially in my culture where I am coming from, pursuing art is often not considered a legitimate profession. I have faced multiple criticisms of being unrealistic, even from my own family until i proved otherwise.

Similar to any other profession and life challenges, artistic growth requires discipline, acquiring knowledge, consistent practice, and a strong resolute to navigate the path to success. It’s essential for non-creatives to recognize the dedication and structured effort that go into the creative process, dispelling stereotypes and understanding the depth of commitment required for artistic endeavor.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: karenchanart
• Facebook: karenchanart