Karen Kang

A little bit of this, a little bit of that, and mixed media artist Karen Kang’s process has begun. Karen’s mixing and matching of interesting scrap materials such as paper, paint, textiles, and magazine clippings result in modern collages with a vintage feel. Her recent book covers series on small pieces of wood are a particular highlight. Stir up your inspiration with Karen’s 10 ANSWERS below.

1. How would you describe your work in three words?
Organic, detailed, eclectic.

2. Who is your creative role model?
Many authors come to mind, people I’ve never met. Julia Cameron was certainly instrumental early on. Creative people who write about process.  I get the most day-to-day inspiration from my fellow artist friends who are trying to forge a similar existence.

3. If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it?
I would be outside. I love nature and I happen to live by the ocean, so more time by water in any form is a plus!

4. What place in the world most inspires you and why?
That’s a tough one. I am equally inspired by nature and wide-open spaces and urban areas that are quite dense. I actually think I need both in some form on a regular basis. I happen to really like LA (I am a fairly recent transplant). Although I’ve learned that admitting this often prompts ridicule.

5. If you could do a different job for a day what would it be and why?
Many creative jobs interest me. I’ve had several in my former lives, but I especially love interior design, so I would probably pick that.

6. What is your favorite homemade gift to give?
Hmm. I can’t say I am that good at giving homemade gifts, but if I was going to, I would probably bake something. I like making desserts and eating them. Oops, I mean giving them away.

7. What is your favorite object in your home?
Right now it would be the lamp above our dining table. I found it at a cool vintage furniture store and it was a good deal, which is always a bonus.  It has a very retro feel and adds character to our kitchen.

8. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
There is always more than one way to look at something. A change in perspective is a really helpful tool in life, I think.

9. What websites do you use for inspiration?
I actually don’t use the web as much for inspiration as I used to…I find too much visual stimulation from elsewhere makes it harder to get in touch with my own creative vibe and think independently. But, I do like Stephanie Levy’s blog, Artists who Blog. And also Arrested Motion.

10. When do you consider a piece of your work complete?
I tend to just know, but I guess that’s kind of a boring answer. Besides my gut, I would say when it has a sense of balance with  things like color, composition, and texture. And when I like it.