What now my Friends!?

Recently my long time friend Patricia of PVE Design posted a very poignant feature discussing her reasons for blogging and asking fellow bloggers to share our own stories and one benefit from blogging.  

The image above conveys how writing The Arts by Karena has made me feel over the years. Expressive, inspiring, uplifting, a woman of strength, and vibrancy.  (could not list just one!)

All of you who have both read and contributed to my blog have given the gift of your art, creativity and insights. Sharing in this venue make me feel so honored! From your many comments, my features on the arts, unique visions and originality has made a difference to many.

After seeing a specialist and receiving test results, I have been diagnosed with a fairly rare disease, Gastroparesis. It is a life altering condition that although there is no cure, we are working on treating the symptoms, which can be severe.

Over the years my mission has been to be a positive influence to all who visit, and I hesitated to write about this as I rarely discuss personal issues on social media. In this case I felt it is an important topic to share.

This has made me realize more than ever how people we know who look perfectly healthy, may be dealing with challenges every day of their lives. 

My friends, we have been together through so many of the ebbs and flows over the years. I cannot begin to express how much each and every one of you mean to me.

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

A New Gallery in Town: Gallery V Fine Arts

Photo Credit: Sito Colon

I was so thrilled to hear that my longtime friend Valerie Phillips has opened a new art gallery in Mission Farms West in Overland Park, Kansas located here in the Kansas City area. Mission Farms is a perfect mixed use development with luxury condominiums, apartments, dining and shopping, as well as a great locale at 4020 Indian Creek Parkway. Please call for hours and additional information at 913-341-3483. The website for the gallery is www.GalleryVFineArts.com  

 She is carrying some amazing artists of several genres and continues  to add art to the mix. Enjoy!

Ceramics by William Kidd

1) Did you know from a young age that you wanted to be in the gallery business?

The answer is actually "no." What I did know; however, was that I wanted to be an artist as early as age five, not even knowing quite what that meant...But, I learned early, the thrill of expressing myself and creating something original that came from a unique internal place that was all my own.

As a young adolescent, my parents took me to a gallery show in my hometown. They had read about an artist's endeavor of opening his own personal gallery, converting a run-down very historic building into a restored new place of beauty to showcase his work. My parents introduced me to the artist and staff as their daughter "the artist".  As we exchanged words about his art and gallery, the artist suggested, "Maybe one day you'll have a gallery of your own!" That impression was my first education and visual impression of an art gallery, which has always remained in my memories.

Art Glass by Scott Gamble

Cube Cup Luminaria by Michael Mikula

2) When did you realize that you wanted to open your own art gallery?

About 5 years ago, as I was entering into my eleventh year in the art gallery industry. What started as merely a vision, but an explosive daydream about 20 years ago and not knowing quite what to do with this powerful dream, later turned into an accidental second career for me. Eventually, after managing 3 separate galleries over the years, I found that all the stepping stones of my various professions in art, design and sales, at last, had rounded out the experience I needed to step forward into my own business. Then, the recurrent question from others of, "Is this your gallery?" and "Why haven't you started your own gallery??" revealed what I took as "my sign" that "now" was the time. While I had developed a scrapbook of "someday" ideas and sketches of my own gallery space, it was the encouragement of my family, friends, mentors and clients who nudged me to move forward with what I already had in passion, ideas and ability to make my dream a reality!

Wood Sculptures and Vases by Gary Burditt

Beth Cosner Custom Jewelry Designs

3) Have you had mentors or others that you admire in the art world?

Yes, probably my art teachers more than anything were the earliest and ongoing force who recognized and encouraged the artistic "gifts" in me. I give equal, if not more importance, to my kindergarten teacher as my greatest influencer as my college art professors. Grade school through my adulthood, there were many, many influencers and mentors who shaped me...They were the ones who thought outside the box and encouraged me to stretch - to not only learn, but also to discover. I have tried to see the gifts that each person who crosses my path has brought my way. I believe our wonderful mix of personalities in this world is like a beautiful symphony. One same note cannot compose a song! We were meant to "sing" together!

Valerie with the Baby Grand Piano sitting in the Front Window Photo Credit: Sito Colon

4)  Who are some of your favorite artists?

This is the toughest question, because I consider art to span across many mediums or genres. I have an affection for too many artists and too many art forms! I once heard, "When we love something, we tend to love it too much!" I love the Classical music of Tchaikovsky and Chopin, the ballets danced by Mikhail Baryshnikov to modern dance and Cirque de Soleil; Andrea Bocelli, Dave Matthews, Aretha Franklin to name a very small few. Picasso's woodcuts, abstract expressionism to street art!  Some of my favorite Old Masters are Renoir, Degas, Van Gogh and Rodin.

I would say that modern day artist, Victoria Montesinos paints in a style that connects to my soul. She paints in a surprising similarity of style as I discovered in my own art in early college years!

Painting by Artist Salome

5) Will people be able to make purchases of art and artful accessories online?

While we do not have online payment arrangements available at this time, customers can contact the gallery by phone (913-341-3483) or email us at: info@galleryvfinearts.com to place art orders for pick up or shipments.

Photo Credit: Sito Colon

6) What advice do you have for the budding entrepreneur at any age?

Follow your dreams! Never give up. Listen to your inner passions and detect your innate gifts. In doing so, every day will be rewarding, even through the challenges. Each day is a joy to go to work at the job you love. LIVE in your ELEMENT! 

As I was starting my business from ground up, my famous quote was: "I never had so much fun being so stressed out!"

Metal Kinetic Wall Sculptures by Frank Strunk III

7) Are there any special events or artist features scheduled at Gallery V Fine Arts in the near future?

We will have approximately 4 - 6 scheduled events throughout the year. Right now we are planning an event for Cinco de Mayo and a Mother's Day special with larger scale showcased artist events throughout the year. Stay tuned to our Facebook page and our website for details at galleryvfinearts.com.

Thank you so much Valerie!

 

Art by Salome

I don't know about you; however I am ready to get out and explore this spring. Art galleries like Gallery V Fine Arts are the perfect place to find new works of art for your home or even lovely and very special gifts for others! Please visit the gallery site www.galleryvfinearts.com. You can also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/galleryvfineart. 

Thank you to my Friends, Family and Followers who Support The Arts.

Please leave a comment and also sign up for email alerts to receive my latest features!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

Introducing Artist Frederique Chemin

The discovery of Frederique Chemin's works of art is like a burst of sunlight in the midst of a gray winter. Her layered vivid imagery and saturated color brings her paintings to life. Please enjoy some of works of art and our interview. Frederique lives and works in both Paris and Aix en Provence.

In her own words: "In my paintings, there are always little, yet significant figurative details within a mainly  abstract approach. I like the immersion into color and matter and I like the impact large paintings have. But I also like when some figurative references trigger imagination. Like tracks that would tell the viewers of my paintings where to follow- like a compass of the spirit. I like the different levels of reading, where different elements combine to form a global vision that everyone can see or feel in their own way."

Bella Vista

Cartography I Series

1) I understand that you became interested in art at a very young age. Would you tell us more about that?

I have always loved painting and drawing. When I was a child, I spent hours immersed in my work.  It has always been my favorite occupation! I would have skipped school and everything else to be able to remain at my table with my colors and brushes.

I was fortunate to have a drawing teacher in school who noticed my passion for art when I was 10. He offered to take me to the School of Beaux Arts in Paris where he had a private studio.  As a finalist in the Prix de Rome contest, he taught me oil painting. We walked through the entire school and its different studios. I was so amazed! I decided I would study art at this school when I grew up - and that's what I did. My teacher eventually won the Prix de Rome and went to Rome for several years and I never saw him again, but I am very grateful to him for having opened the door of this universe to me.

Spring Garden
Cartography I Series

des Fruites des Fleurs
Cartography I Series

2) Where does your inspiration come from?

It comes from life! I like to try to catch the part of a dream, happiness and beauty that is present in life. I try to give people who look at my paintings the joy of colors and space, like an "invitation to a  journey"* in a special way. I am inspired by the many things and places I see and things I live. Good memories, emotions, looking at my children and remembering the child I used to be (and still am)!

15th of August
Cartography II Series

My Paris Dream
Cartography II Series

3) Have you had a mentor or who are some artists who have influenced and inspired you?

I love the work of many artists. I admire Raoul Duffy for the lightness of his lines and  his various skills, Matisse for the "luxury, calm and delight"* he provides for us and Mark Rothko for his mastery of color. I love Edward Hopper for the deep feelings present in his paintings, Picasso for his freedom, and many more!

Plonger dans l'Eau Bleue
Cartography Series III

Villa Serene
Cartography III Series

4) What effect did your studies at l'Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris have on your aesthetic?

It was a wonderful place to be. You had a studio you would share with other students.  You could exchange ideas about art and life, creating the future in a place where you could feel the greatness of the past! I had a wonderful teacher, a painter called Amor who taught me that I had to find my own way and my own technique.

Play with Me
Cartography IV Series

Jeux d'Eau
Cartography IV Series

5) When you have time to relax, what activities do you enjoy?

I love reading, playing music, watching movies and outdoor activities allowing me to be in contact with nature like swimming and skiing.

un Jacinthe ou un Crocus
Black Cartography Series

My American Dream
Black Cartography Series

6) Where can our readers find your art? Do you have upcoming gallery exhibits?

You can follow me on Facebook and on my website. You can see my paintings at Gallery 32 Fine Arts in New York. I will have an exhibition in Paris in Spring 2015 and one in Aix en Provence in May 2015.

Miroir, Miroir
Black Cartography Series

7) Finally what words of wisdom you have for the aspiring artist of any age?

I would say find in yourself what is your particularity, what really belongs to you that you want to share with others; the colors of the song you want to sing! And if you feel like being an artist, go ahead, make your dream come true. Don't give up or let anything stop you from doing it!

*"Invitation To The Journey" Charles Baudelaire

Be sure to visit Frederique's website to see more of her art, her upcoming events and to learn more about this fascinating artist. This is the link to her Facebook Page.

Much thanks goes to Paula Winke, marketing and public relations consultant, who made the introduction.  Paula is based in Kansas City; however her work with clients takes her throughout North America and abroad.

Thank you to my Family, Friends and Followers who support The Arts!

Please sign up for email alerts to find out about my latest features. 

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

2014 Artists Series Featuring Photographer Eddie Collins

Eddie Collins is a New York based fashion and beauty photographer.  Within his devotion to his art,   high end photography,  he captures the true  vibrant essence of  New York City , that certain  noise of the city.  Whether working in his studio or on location, this artist's  style shines brightly through his lens. 

Fashion Photography in the Studio

A true personal success story, having risen from what would be a difficult life for any child  in Australia;  he lived in a world of orphanages and foster homes, then he spent most of his youth circling the globe and gradually made his way to Paris, where he found a home and stayed three years and then moved to New York.

On Location

 The juxtaposition of Positive and Negative/ Light and Shadow  spaces thrills me in this image!

He has  led memorable lives in cities too many to mention;  including Paris, London, Milan, Munich and Tokyo. Eddie told me of an occurrence in Marrakesh where his equipment was stuck in customs red tape for what seemed like forever. What did Eddie do, why he made new friends and had a blast playing soccer with the locals.

Freedom

Eddie capturing the essence and wonder at once. He loves to experience cities by hiding amongst the local people and learning about different cultures.

Brilliant use of light, color palette, contrast!

Desert Magazine 

An amazing leisure spread!

Hallie Barry

Hallie, a  natural woman with little guise, in spite of a heavy schedule, she formed a strong connection with Eddie  and stayed on after the photo shoot for hours to spend some MUCH needed leisure time!

Lisa Ling

An American Journalist and Writer 

Eddie has given some words of wisdom for the beginning photographer:/ artist. 

It is so important to gain perspective on who you are and what you believe in, stay true and consistent to that vision. Stand up for yourself, be realistic. Be able to brand yourself and look to work with those who love what you do.

Sean Avery, New York Rangers #17, for Downtown Magazine

Sean is a 2014  new member of Dancing with the Stars

With an impressive curriculum vitae, Eddie currently resides in New York City with a client list consisting of Issey Miyake, Ann Taylor Loft, Seventeen Magazine, All Access Magazine (UK), Flux Magazine (UK), Random Magazine (UK), Noi.se Magazine, Fila, Neiman Marcus, Lord and Taylor amongst others.

Reach Eddie through his website Eddie Collins Photography . Please do visit, as you will see much more of his incredible work. His Face book Page is Eddie Collins Photography

I applaud Eddie for bringing artful beauty into our lives through his photography!

Thank you to my loyal friends and Followers who support the Arts!

xoxo

Karena

The Arts by Karena

A Special Thank you!!

A Special Thank you to my Friends and Family

I cannot ever thank you enough for all of your encouragement and support .

Many of you know what a trying year it has been for me.

What many of you do not know is that I am more determined than ever  to get strong, thrive and do all of the things once again that give me joy!

I celebrated a landmark Birthday yesterday and was astounded and so moved by all who sent good wishes my way!

I feel I owe it to myself and all of my dear friends and loved ones to start a new chapter in my life. The way to honor all of you is to be a fulfilled and giving person. After all we are all here on this great earth for a reason.

I will be in rehab awhile longer, however then you can expect more beauty and more joyous celebrations! More features to come on extraordinary artists and entrepreneurs! I will pay it forward in any way that I can. Also any thoughts or ideas of what you would like to see would be very welcomed!

Let all of our lives sparkle with kindness, love, and generosity of spirit.All that we give of ourselves will come back a hundredfold and affect the lives of countless souls.

This blog has opened a whole new world to me with so very many who care. 

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!

xoxo

Karena

Art by Karena