Artwork (or artist ) that changed your life and why? There were many but, to name a few: Francis Bacon - seeing his terrifying painting of the pope (after Velasquez) in the UCLA art gallery in 1960 I realized how powerful an image could be and that an artist didn't have to be nice or try to please. You could be honest about your thoughts and tell the world about it. Seeing Connie Zehr's poetic works and then taking a one-day class with her, learning that my art didn't have to be a permanent object if I wanted to create an experience instead. Woman House and all the experiences with the Women's Art Movement from 1972 to 1975 actually saved my life, let me find art in my own activities and interests and gave me the permission to establish a way of working that fit my own needs and requirements.
When did you first know you wanted to be an artist? From the time I knew anything, maybe 4 or 5 years old, I knew I would be an artist though I didn't know how or what it meant. I tried many ways to be an artist, hoping that one of the paying types like illustration, window design, or advertising would work for me. Finally, I realized I just had to draw and make the art that was in my head and that was called "fine art" so I would have to make a living doing something else.
What do you like about making art in Los Angeles? I was born here. I have always lived here so I'm comfortable here. The art community here is big enough to be exciting and interesting and I know a lot of artists that I respect and admire. I have plenty of support and good friends here. I would make art under any circumstances, and I have, but I appreciate the opportunity to be comfortable in familiar surroundings.
What do you dislike about making art in Los Angeles? Los Angeles is so busy with other things that art gets forgotten and ignored by the city. We have very little effective art press here so it's hard to get serious feedback on your work. Getting around to see art requires so much driving that I miss a lot that I would like to see.
Favorite book, film and food? In high school I read The Cloister and the Hearth by Charles Reade. It's about a young man who travels around and makes his living painting playing cards. I think it was supposed to be about a choice between marriage and the church but that wasn't the important part for me. Later, the diaries of Anaïs Nin were important to my life and development of my own work. Also, e.e. cummings' The Enormous Room. I have liked many films but nothing ever had as strong an impact as seeing The Wizard of Oz. I would have been about 5 when I saw it in a regular theater, when it was brand new. As an adult, maybe Midnight Cowboy. I love food and I am married to a talented chef so I eat really well. But I do love banana splits with 3 flavors of great ice cream, chocolate and butterscotch syrup.
Favorite website? I can barely do the basics on my computer so I don't really go looking at websites. I'm grateful that I have one and someone to keep it up for me. I look at the websites of my friends or new artists I meet.
Best art advice? Work regularly. You may not always have a lot of time but if you can establish and keep a regular work time, however short, you will get your essential work done.
Karen's magical works are on view at Happy through July 31. Come and experience her vision.