Artist: Karen Fike

Date: 2018

Dimensions: 40" x 30" x 1.5"

Medium: Mixed Media Acrylic on Canvas

I draw inspiration from the strength, resilience, and multifaceted nature of gender identity, focusing on figurative abstractions to explore and express this complexity. My work breaks away from traditional representations, offering a nuanced and layered portrayal that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

I use materials like flash glazes and textured mediums to create visually and tactilely engaging surfaces. Flash glazes, with their iridescent qualities, bring fluidity and movement, reflecting the dynamic nature of identity. Textured mediums add depth, symbolizing the layers of experiences and emotions that people embody. Together, these materials convey the duality of strength and grace inherent in the human form.

My process for creating dynamic paintings involves meticulous layering. Starting with a base composition, I build up layers of paint, glazes, and textures, each interacting with light differently. I incorporate reflective and iridescent elements that catch and refract light, adding to the sense of movement and transformation. This approach enhances visual impact and symbolizes the ever-changing nature of identity and perception.

The tension between beauty and chaos in my art reflects the complexities of life and identity. By juxtaposing these elements, I highlight the inherent contradictions and struggles that define the human experience. Beauty represents harmony and grace, while chaos symbolizes challenges, conflicts, and raw emotions. Through this interplay, I communicate a message of resilience and the transformative power of embracing both aspects of existence.

My advocacy for gender equality and philanthropy profoundly influences my artistic practice. It drives me to create works that not only celebrate the strength and beauty of diverse identities but also challenge societal norms and highlight issues of inequality. My art serves as a platform for raising awareness, sparking dialogue, inspiring change, and empowering individuals across the gender spectrum. I am deeply involved in philanthropic efforts, using my art to support organizations that fight for social justice and equality.

Creating "living" pieces of art that engage viewers on a deeper level is immensely rewarding. These pieces invite interaction, reflection, and personal connection. The shifting nature of the work encourages repeated viewings, revealing new aspects and insights over time, enriching the viewer's experience, and deepening their understanding and appreciation of the themes I explore.

Living and working in Chicago has significantly shaped my artistic vision. The city's vibrant art scene, diverse cultural landscape, rich architectural heritage, and history of social activism inspire and influence my use of bold colors, intricate textures, and complex compositions.