Recognitions:
“A Familiar Place” was shown in “Unsung” at Webster Arts Center in St. Louis, MO where I received the “Award of Excellence” (2nd Place) in August of 2023.
“A Familiar Place” was invited and exhibited in the “St. Louis Artists’ Guild Members Exhibition” at the St. Louis Artists’ Guild in September / October 2023.
Karen Atkins
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.
Why I create art
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 own personal 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, serving as reminders of the strength we all possess in overcoming adversity. Through my art, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own inner resilience and tap into the transformative power of self-examination.
Read my interview with VoyageSTL.