January 17, 2019

Meet Karen Schremmer

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Schremmer.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I have been continuously creating my entire life: drawing on Barbies and my brothers, painting, photography, jewelry, and clothing design, interior decorating, home renovation, fiber arts, and culinary pursuits, among other things. Originally from Illinois, I moved to Florida, a place full of beauty, where I find an endless supply of inspiration. I received a BFA from the University of South Florida, with a focus in painting. After working in the art field for a few years, life circumstances required me to briefly take a different career path.

Happy to be able to return to my roots, I have vigorously renewed my focus on the visual arts, currently working in mixed media. My assemblages ignore the traditional boundaries between the digital and analog- painting, collage, and photography. My blended technique exemplifies the combining of seemingly unrelated existences into vibrant, beautiful collectives.

Please tell us about your art.
My artwork is the result of a unique vision combined with innovative techniques in image-making.

Each image begins with an intuitive creative energy, and I follow this process with intensity until I reach a point of reflection and re-work the image until completion.

My recent work explores the iconography of ‘celebrity’, especially the glamorous sophisticated Hollywood Stars of the 1950’s. I chose an iconic photograph and collage this together with a selection of photographs, including my original photography.

The collage of photographs on a digital canvas allows the juxtaposition of; old/new, original/replica, b&w/color, digital/analog. The tensions between these contrasting images imbues the image with an underlying energy.

The next phase in my process involves printing the digital image onto archival quality canvas. I hand-finish the image with traditional paint and brush-strokes. This harmonizes the image and creates a hybrid painting-print. I then add a final layer of media, using crystal rhinestones I carefully decorate the canvases. This imbues the work with a sculptural quality, the materials reflect and play with the light and give an extra sense of energy to the work.

My finished artworks are designed to be appreciated quickly at a distance and slowly at close-range. At a distance the works are energetic colorful celebrations. On close-inspection the works reveal hidden intricacies. Repeated viewings of my artworks create a nuanced understanding and positive emotion within the viewer.

The extravagant, optimistic, energized, celebratory nature of my artworks are intended to spark joy and invoke delight. I can think of no better purpose for the creation of art.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Social media has been the best way for me to connect with other artists. I have made many artist friends locally and internationally through Instagram. Comment on others work. If you like it—tell them! If you like it enough, buy it! I’m often asked about processes and techniques by other artists through DM and love to connect with them that way. You can also make many local connections by going to shows and supporting other artists.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I am currently submitting to galleries and finding a solo show! People can follow me on Instagram @KarenSchremmer or purchase by contacting me through Instagram or my website www.KarenSchremmer.com.

Contact Info:

Website: www.karenschremmer.com
Email: info@karenschremmer.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenschremmer/

Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

1 Comment

Denise Loder-DeLuca

August 5, 2019 at 5:31 pm

I am Hedy Lamarr’s daughter & I LOVE your work !
I am also an artist … DENISELODERDELUCA.COM
Your work is gorgeous !

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