Karen Marki has loved art her entire life, but her many years of working in the non-profit sector in both San Francisco and Vancouver postponed her desire to paint. Little did she know that the outbreak of COVID-19 would change everything. When a work contract ended, she decided that it was finally time to start a new chapter in her life. She went out to buy art supplies, started painting and hasn’t stopped since. Karen uses what she sees on her walks through the city as inspiration for her painting. She has always been drawn to the deep hues and patinas of ageing elements and foliage. You will see this influence in her textures and colour palette which includes aqua blue, olive green, shimmering copper and burnt orange. Her favourite artists are mid-century women, such as Joan Mitchell and Helen Frankenthaler, who pioneered the abstract expressionist movement and made their mark in a male-dominated art world. Karen became a juried member of the Federation of Canadian Artists in 2020, has been in many local and international shows and has a much-loved studio in the historic art district of East Vancouver. She is grateful for this time in her life when she can finally pursue her dream.
-Written by Willy Aroca, partner and Associate Director for the School of Hospitality, Food Studies and Business at Vancouver Community College
It was hard at first to put my art out there. It is so personal. But I decided to be brave and the rewards have been so many treasured experiences, conversations and knowing that my paintings are out in the world. I also find that art helps create a place for us to share personal stories with each other. I remember a woman that recently came into my studio and handed me a bag of paints. Her partner, who was an artist, had just passed away and she wanted the paint to be used by someone to continue his legacy. It was an exchange I will never forget and I think of her each time I use them.One of the most exciting days of my art journey was when I signed the lease for my studio at the Eastside Atelier building in East Vancouver. It has given me a place to show my art and connect with a special group of talented and diverse artists. It feels like a family and they have welcomed me in. I have furnished my space with thrift store lamps and free furniture I have found in my lane walks…including this white credenza that someone was giving away. Artists like nothing better than finding something they need for free!My art is inspired by the complex city we live in where nature and urban grit coincide. There is a stretch of weathered graffiti along the seawall that I often visit and photograph. I love the way the paint has chipped and curled with time, creating these vibrant abstract paintings. Even the huge container ships are an interesting contrast with the beautiful inlet and mountains. It is a perfect backdrop for my abstract expressionist artmaking, and I see something new with every walk through the city. I post regularly on social media, and I like to create grids like this one that show my art and what inspired it.My first Eastside Culture Crawl was an incredible experience. It was right after COVID and everyone was so excited to be back out in the world. Thousands of people came through our studio building and we were all filled with gratitude. It made all the hard work and preparation worth it and I look forward to it every year.Part of having an art practice is being flexible, accommodating and ready for anything. I was asked to do a series of paintings for a production at the Jericho Arts Centre last January. Unfortunately, the week I was supposed to deliver the art, an unexpected snowstorm hit Vancouver. I quickly had to waterproof the paintings for transport and drive over before the roads were closed. We made it just in time and it paid off to be prepared.Every artist has their favourite tools. Mine include putty knives, a pie spatula and various brushes for flicking paint! I love to go to the dollar store to look for items that will create interesting textures, lines and patterns. I often paint with sponges that allow me to make wide sweeps and strokes across the canvas. There is nothing more enjoyable than the unexpected effect I get from trying something new.My best studio mate is my 15-year-old Maine Coon cat seen here giving my art a walk-by. He patiently watches me for hours at a time and it is nice to have his company while I am lost in my art. He did once get into my magenta paint with his big paws and caused quite a bit of excitement!North Van Arts has an ongoing art rental program. It was a real thrill to find out one of my paintings was juried into the program a while back and used in a film production. The movie industry uses these local art rental programs for their sets. Individuals also rent out paintings and it gives people an opportunity to enjoy new art in an affordable way. Finding new opportunities is part of the artist’s day and includes website design and updates, social media content creation, marketing outreach, shipping, and knowledge of Customs requirements for cross-border sales. It is all part of the daily life of an artist.
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Which neighbourhood are you in?
I live in Kitsilano just down the street from the famous Naam Café. It often reminds me of the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco where I lived for 20 years. I love the eclectic coffee shops and restaurants and the close proximity to the water, especially my favourite spots at Jericho Beach. There is a stretch of seawall nearby that is covered in weathered murals, ferns and moss that has inspired several of my paintings. I often sit and watch the big container ships in the distance and peer down at the swirling tidepools below. I am grateful to live in this beautiful and diverse city that is so full of life.
What do you do?
I am now a full-time artist and have a busy calendar of annual events including the Eastside Culture Crawl which draws over 40,000 people and includes 500 registered artists. The group of artists at my studio building, the Eastside Atelier, also have a show in June and November.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a new series entitled “Reflections on Water”. With the recent droughts and fires both here and around the world, I have been thinking about how precious water is and how we often take it for granted…especially living in a rainy city that is surrounded by inlets, lakes and rivers. I decided to do a series inspired by this beautiful gift that is also such a significant part of our environment and ourselves.
Where can we find your work?
I am part of a group of Vancouver artists that open their studios on the first Saturday of every month (www.firstsaturday.ca). You can find me at the Eastside Atelier, Studio 12 at 1310 William Street in East Vancouver. I am also active on Instagram and you can see my art, bio and other information about me on my website.
Emilea Semancik was born in North Vancouver. Emilea has always always wanted to work as a freelance writer and currently writes for the Vancouver Guardian. Taking influence from journalism culture surrounding the great and late Anthony Bourdain, she is a recipe author working towards publishing her own series of books. You can find her food blog on Instagram:
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