We were lucky to catch up with Renee Kuharchuk recently and have shared our conversation below.

Renee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

For me it started when I was in high school. Growing up I attended a small school which didn’t have much in the way of creative outlets. I was fortunate to be able to attend a high school which had a variety of art and hands on classes to choose from. I thought to myself, “I can create art….in school?!” I was immediately taken with the opportunity to create art during the school day and started signing up for every art class that I could fit in my schedule. From that point on I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the arts, and that it was important for me to share this passion with others. For me it was something I didn’t want to take for granted and I knew there were others out there who could benefit from having more art in their lives.

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.

I got into the creative industry by pursuing classes in college. It was important for me to grow my personal skill so getting a BFA was a priority. I was passionate about both 3D building and 2D materials, and double majored in both studio areas. I also knew I wanted to do for others what was done for me, and help share art with young folks. That means, in addition to taking advanced studio art classes in both sculpture and painting, I also got certified to teach art.

My work centers around themes of feminity and mental health. My paintings are visual representations of my inner psyche and past experiences as I navigate what it means to be a woman in our society. My day-to-day experiences are colored with systemic sexism and stereotypes while negotiating the power struggle of gender norms. What does it mean to be a woman? Smiling, being pretty and demure, quiet and not emotional, nurturing and not confident? The challenge is knowing when to call out these injustices or face being labeled emotional, hysterical, or out of control. As a person who struggles with anxiety, facing these sexist acts and standing up for what is right can be emotionally and mentally crushing. My work gives a voice to these feelings and calls to all those who’ve struggled, been made to feel lesser because of their gender, or have been held back by an unseen force. The style of each piece illustrates the symptom or situation. Some works use short feathered marks that mimic meditative, repetitive movements such as yoga, prayer beads, or worry stones while others use loose swooping lines and layered energetic strokes to exemplify anxious or painful situations. The loose and wild brushwork create chaos and disorganization – a reflection of the internal struggle. The process of creation helps heal the painful situations I’ve experienced. I hope these works bring awareness to our debilitating pain and hopelessness when faced oppression, anxiety and sexism.

Through creating these works, I am able to connect with other women and folks who’ve struggle with their own mental health. By building these bonds, the stigma that exists around these areas slowly starts to break down. With each connection, we are spreading awareness and support. It means the most to me to provide quality artwork that others connect with. My mediums predominately include acrylic and oil painting, but at times include a range of 2D media such as spray paint and paint markers. Most of my paintings are roughly 2 to 4 feet in size with smaller works ranging from 11″x14″ – 6″x6″. I like to use custom imagery and often compose and photograph models or myself to produce the emotions I want to illustrate. I’m currently most drawn to hands, mouths, arms, and faces. These images personify a feeling and highlight a habit or symptom when emotionally heightened. I use up-close imagery to confront my viewers – they must deal with the image presented to them. I exaggerate the existing colors of these figures to increase the emotional effect and heighten the movement.

My work is available to purchase through my online shop, and through local gallery shows. I show my work throughout the Chicagoland area and love sharing my work with local communities, art markets, and fairs. Meeting folks who resonate with my work through their own personal experiences is what drives me to keep making the work I am creating.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think it’s hard for non-creatives to understand the creative world. There is this drive creative folks have to make, do, and create. We would do it regardless of getting paid or getting recognition. But human creation is one of the most beautiful things in the world. It’s the reason we keep artifacts in a museum, and protect ancient signs of civilization. There is nothing like it in the natural world and it’s a way for us as humans to make our mark on this earth. That’s why when non-creatives de-value art, it’s such an upset for us. When artists can’t be paid for their time and talent, it’s such a disservice to the creative world. We each have a unique perspective. We value art as a society because we can resonate with it, be moved, or find connections. It’s a piece of the human mind and mark. It’s a testament to what we can do as people and a part of the bigger human condition.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely! I think any artist or entrepreneur should read “You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero. It helped me change my antiquated view on money and shift my mindset from to one of abundance. Most of my practice is focused on supporting and nurturing women so a few books that fueled my passion are: “Invisible Women” by Caroline Criado Perez, and “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan. Both of these books seek to analyze the antiquated way our society views women, and bring to light the shockingly recent dispariges between men and women.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.reneekuharchuk.com
• Instagram: @reneekuharchuk