Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Atkins.
Hi Karen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Art has always been a part of my life and has taken on many forms along the way. I decided to go into graphic design as a “safe choice” rather than fine arts. I always had a dream of becoming a professional artist, but I kept putting my art career dreams on the back burner. Then, a few things happened that opened the door for me to be able to stay home to homeschool and take care of my parents in our home. This year, I decided it was time to make this dream come true. In January I started Katkins Studio and started selling custom pet portraits. Most recently, though, I have started working on art series with my first one being named REM Intrusion.
Our pets give us so much joy and happiness, but sometimes one stands out from the rest. For us, that pet was Nibbler. Sadly, she left us last year, but her memory lives on through the portrait I painted. Every time we look at it, we’re reminded of her playful spirit and the joy she brought to our lives. Through my commissioned pet portraits, I want to help others celebrate their pet’s memory whether their furry companion is still by their side or has crossed the rainbow bridge.
The REM Intrusion series follows my personal journey with narcolepsy, a chronic and rare disease. Through this ongoing project, I use each painting as a means to share a chapter of my story, each intertwined with my innermost thoughts and emotions. As a fellow narcoleptic, I know the frustration that comes with feeling misunderstood and isolated in this experience. As a result, my artwork serves as a comfort to those who share this path, reminding them that they are not alone. My hope is that by exploring my art, you find a sense of shared experiences, pride in your strength and perseverance despite the challenges posed by this chronic disease, and an outlet to process the full range of emotions that come with this disorder.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a creative, business does not come naturally to me. I knew I needed to overcome this if I wanted to be successful, so before I started, I took courses from other successful artists. It has been a slow start, but I am concentrating on making small incremental changes toward a successful business. This phase of my life requires my attention in other areas, which is also a challenge. I homeschool my daughter, teach at our homeschool co-op, and care for my parents. Finding a balance between that and being a wife is always a juggling act.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Bullying left me with debilitating shyness and low self-esteem as a child, but art became a rare source of pride and self-acceptance. My journey of self-discovery at 40 years old has shown me the power of transformative thought work, which I integrate into my art. By journaling my emotions and experiences through my artwork, I aim to create a space for reflection, self-acceptance, and validation. My pieces are often unsettling but relatable, reminding us of our strength in overcoming adversity. Through my art, I aim to inspire others to embrace their inner resilience and tap into the transformative power of self-examination. Right now, I’m mostly known for my pet portraits. My newest project is my art series REM Intrusion. I create abstract mixed-media paintings. I mostly use acrylic paint, markers, pencils, and oil pastels. I like to journal straight on the painting. Some of it gets covered in all the layers, and some shows through. I am working on my second piece in the series. I hope it will bring awareness to the rare disease of narcolepsy and validation for others living with it.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
There has already been a big shift for artists in that they don’t have to be in a gallery to be successful. I’m so thankful to live in a time where we can reach so many people with the internet and social media. I’m sure that is what held me back in the beginning. Marketing your artwork looked so different when I graduated from college in 1999. We will continually adapt to the trends of social media and the internet. There is always a new platform, and we must adjust to the new social app.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katkinsstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katkinsstudio/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatkinsStudio
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/KatkinsStudio?ref=seller-platform-mcnav
