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

Karine, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am definitely most happy as a practicing artist. Making art for me is vital but of course, I’ve often thought about having a regular job. I never set out to be an artist. I studied to be a social worker, then a teacher, and finally graduated with a Bachelor’s in International Studies and First Nations Studies, aiming to become a Canadian diplomat. Deep down, however, I always knew I was an artist, but the life it required, the sacrifices, and the overwhelming uncertainty—terrified me.

The life of an artist is filled with financial instability. You might experience a burst of success, sell a few or many pieces, and then go months and even years without a single sale. There’s no steady paycheck, no health benefits, no pension plan, and no guaranteed stability. It feels like you’re constantly walking a tightrope without a safety net. And even in that uncertainty, you must find the willpower to get back into the studio and create.

Many artists take on day jobs to support themselves, balancing the demands of a career with their passion for art. It’s exhausting, working long hours and then coming home to create, often sacrificing your time, energy, and relationships. The toll it takes isn’t just physical, but emotional and there’s often that lingering doubt: Will it all be worth it?

Yet, for many of us professional artists, despite the sacrifices, the drive to create is too strong to ignore. Art isn’t just about making something—it’s about fulfilling a deeper calling. It provides meaning, healing, and a connection to our inner world in a way nothing else can. Even on the hardest days, when the weight of everything feels unbearable, creating sustains you.

That’s the paradox of being an artist—it demands so much, yet it gives back in ways that no paycheck ever could. Despite the doubts, the uncertainties, and the sacrifices, pursuing a life of creativity feels real and deeply meaningful. Still, when times are tough, I do wonder what it would be like to have a regular job with a steady paycheck—yet I know there’s no going back for me.

Karine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Karine Guyon, and I’m a professional painter and abstract oil painting instructor. I am a survivor, a loving partner, a stepmother, a sometimes curator, and a mentor. I’ve been an artist for over 17 years, but my journey was far from linear.

Lately, my art has been about exploring human themes of grief, spirituality, and the balance between order and chaos through grids-making. My teaching practice includes workshops on abstract oil painting, color theory, and intuitive creation, where participants can immerse themselves in creative expression in a relaxed, meditative atmosphere.

What sets me apart is my approach to both my art and my teaching is the belief that through art we can find meaningful connections between science and spirituality, blending intuitive processes with meticulous exploration of materials, in search of the divine. For material, I use everything from ultraviolet, metallic, and mirrored pigments and glitters, to fabric and old recycled pieces of paintings and rags. As a teacher and a mentor, I create an inclusive, tailored environment that empowers my students and mentees to take risks and discover their unique voices. Whether working with beginners or more advanced painters, I guide them through both the technical and intuitive aspects of abstract painting, making art accessible and deeply personal.

I’m most proud of the way my art connects with others, whether it’s through a finished piece or a student’s breakthrough in my class. I believe art has the power to heal, and through my work, I hope to inspire others to explore their inner creative journey. I want my clients, followers, and fans to know that I am constantly evolving in my practice, always learning and pushing the boundaries of my creativity and that they can do the same at any level of their journey.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the freedom of being my own boss and my own creative director; I never have to justify my decisions. There’s no one to dictate what I should do or how to do it. The canvas before me is mine and mine alone—my territory, my battlefield. Rules may exist, but the only ones that truly matter are the ones I invent for myself or choose to apply. No one has to like what I create; there are no beauty standards to follow. As long as I love what I do, that is what counts, and if I am passionate about my work, others will be too. This autonomy allows me to experiment and try new things without judgment or constraint. Being an artist, surviving as an artist, and thriving as an artist is a powerful political statement in itself.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

While I revel in my freedom as an artist, I’ve also had to unlearn the notion of independence and the belief that I must do everything alone. The art world operates as a complex ecosystem, where collaboration and mutual support are vital for survival.

Artists, businesses, and institutions all play interconnected roles, relying on one another to thrive. Although it is possible today for artists to remain independent from the classical system of galleries and thrive independently through social media, galleries still provide a reputable platform for artists to showcase their work, while collectors and curators help promote and validate their creations and vision. In turn, artists can spend more time making art and contribute to the vibrancy of the art community by sharing their unique perspectives and art-making.

By embracing this interconnectedness, and by finding my community, I’ve come to realize that collaboration enhances my practice and fosters a richer life experience. Building relationships with fellow artists, mentors, and supporters allows for the exchange of ideas and resources, ultimately enriching the artistic journey. In this vibrant community, I’ve learned that asking for help and offering support can lead to unexpected friendships, opportunities and growth, reinforcing the idea that we are all stronger together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karineguyon.com
• Instagram: @karineguyonart