First, tell me as much as you can about yourself in a haiku.
I sometimes feel I'm
quite the alien in this
Slightly unkind place
How did you get you start with what you do?
Karen- I'm self taught. I started off shooting bands and concerts, to shooting people after a friend had recommended I try something different. It was rough sailing at first, and boy, did my work suck. I can't even look at it now without being totally embarrassed.
How have you seen yourself grow as an artist?
Karen- I have. The past few years, I've allowed myself to see a bigger picture than I could have ever imagined. And I still try to. I always tell myself, if I'm comfortable with my work, if I like my work, then something's wrong. Im constantly looking at my work and asking myself what I can do better, and how I think I failed in the past. I basically went from taking ok photos that were just sort of cool because they "looked unique", to photos that tell chapters of a story that people can relate to in different ways. Thats my goal, always: for people to see stories in my photos.
What's one art-realted memory that sticks out in your mind?
Karen- My parents brought me to my first art museum when I was around 3 or 4. The Currier Gallery of Art in Manchester, NH. All the sculptures and paintings really had an affect on me, in an almost disturbing way. I loved it. 3 pieces that I vividly remembered were Pablo Picasso's "Woman Seated In A Chair", Georges Rouault's "The Wounded Clown" and Walt Kuhn's "Lancer". They were all just so tricking to me.
What are a few things on your "Bucket List?"
Karen- Europe!!! Europe is definitely a huge goal.
What have you been currently up to?
Karen- Planning a southern trip, a CA trip, and somewhere down the line, a trek across country. I'v been trying to force myself to do new things here and there, as of late. Oh, and getting arrested.
What fuels your artistic soul?
Karen- Part of my ideas come from books, movies, music, etc. MOST of it comes from personal experiences and constantly craziness. I'm not good at dealing with most things, or expressing myself for people to help me with how I feel, so I find it super therapeutic and life-saving to be able to emote through photographs. Also, people who talk shit. I think these people think "the more shit I talk, the more she'll be 'out of the game'" (don't ask me what "the game" is, but I'm pretty sure thats how people like that think). Not going to happen. The more I hear, the more ass I want to bust. It's all pure gasoline for me.
Who are three artists you're either inspired by or look up to?
Karen- Before I was a fan of art, I was a fan of movies. HUGE inspirations have been Stanley Kubrick, Terry Gilliam and David Lynch.
What would a 'perfect' day for you be like?
Karen- On a set somewhere in NYC photographing a celebrity in my style. Probably Bill Murray.
Is there anything else that you'd like to add?
Karen- To quote Bill and Ted: Be Excellent To Each Other
