Karen Lee, Artist, Karen Lee Art
Karen trained and worked as an actor for a number of years before accepting a role as the Coordinator of the prestigious Gaiety School of Acting - the National Theatre School of Ireland. Alongside this full-time position, she also produced theatre and film for over fifteen years. Following the birth of her third child, she discovered a deep love for painting and created the community-based projects Bayside Rocks and the Bayside Community Association Arts Project. Karen painting evolved quickly, and she was soon concentrating on large scale canvas commissions.
As a self-taught artist, Karen work focuses on abstract scapes. She is drawn to industrial form and a bright palette, and she constructs her art around land and nature with high rise buildings inspired from around Ireland and the globe. Karen has recently contributed work to the SCOOP Foundation, the CRC and the Pluid Project and has collaborated with the Insomnia Coffee Company on a monthly Pop Up Art Studio.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
As a visual person, Instagram is most appealing. My product is an art, and therefore, images over text work best for me. I also find it a wonderful resource for inspiration. I follow many photographers and have recreated some photos that have captured my imagination. I also love to follow my peers as we share techniques and tips. There's also a real sense of community amongst artists.
‘Martello in May’ - Karen Lee
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I am a mother first and an artist second, but sometimes those roles cross over, and I end up painting with my kids! I am relatively new to the art world, having spent my early career in theatre, so in essence, I am still developing my style. I paint every day, whether it's on a commission by a client or on a piece that comes from the heart. I only use acrylics and palette knives, layering up to create lots of texture.
Almost good enough to lick! My home is my studio as it's flexible and can fit around my children's routines. However, I will be working on a 9ft x 4ft soon, and that will require a larger space. I usually rent community centres or warehouses for short term leases in those situations. During Covid, my locality was my main source of inspiration the infamous Poolbeg Chimneys, the Martello tower in Sutton, the Bailey Lighthouse in Howth.
It was a bleak time so, I think people liked my bright colours in contrast to what we were fed daily through the news. I love symmetrical lines and high rise structures, and many of my pieces will feature a crane or a pylon or even just an electrical wire. I will often stop and take a photo from a building site. My phone is filled with random photos that others might find boring but I find beautiful. My goal for next year is to follow a building site from start to finish and paint a series on its development.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
To me, painting is a form of meditation. I find it hard to switch off my brain, and yoga doesn't work as I invariably think about what I'll cook for dinner or if I turn off my hair straightener. However, when my hands are busy, my mind is still. I wouldn't consider myself opinionated, but I do feel strongly about certain issues. I will often bring these (subtly) into my art, like a quiet protest. It might not offend anyone, but at least I've gotten it off my chest! Art can be bold and brash, but it can also be a sophisticated way of questioning the issues of the day.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
"If you find something that you'll love, you'll never work a day in your life." My grandfather always said this to me when I was confused about my career as a young woman, and thankfully, I am in that position now. Those words always stuck with me.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
There is an inner desire to create every day. I've been like that since I can remember. My father, my sister, my uncle and my cousin are all artists so. I guess it's part of my genetic make-up. If I have a day where I haven't painted, I get anxious. I am inspired by those who have stayed true to themselves and their style - David Hockney, Maser, Elizabeth Cope, Audrey Hamilton and Helen Steele.
Their use of colour is so exciting and gives me the confidence to stick with what brings me joy and what resonates with me. Each sale or a kind comment on my feed helps to diminish my inner demon or Imposter Syndrome; it's my customers and followers that motivate me to continue to create. My husband and children are also wonderfully supportive, and I love to hear if asked, that their "Mammy is an artist". My parents and sisters are my constant cheerleaders too.
‘Burrow at Sunset’ - Karen Lee
What are you proud of in your life so far?
My children. Each of them is strong, independent and fierce. With my art, it was to sell my Poolbeg Chimneys to the grandson of the man who actually used to paint the red and white stripes on those towers! That was a moment that I'll never forget. Painting in front of an audience for eight hours with my Pop Up Art Studio was also an achievement in itself.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I prefer to meet people in the flesh, but obviously, that's not as easy these days. Instagram and LinkedIn have worked out best for me over the past eight months and word of mouth.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
I obtained diploma's in Digital Marketing and Desktop Publishing a number of years ago, and they have definitely helped with my marketing strategy. Working in arts administration for years also pushed me to be highly organised. As a one-man band, I have to do everything from creating stickers, purchasing materials, posting prints, updating my website, keeping my social content fresh, liaising with vendors and clients, and of course, quality control!
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I'm still starting out, but I know that with each failure, I will learn. I think that comes with age. I have learnt not to take things to heart, to pick myself up, dust myself off and continue with even more vigour and confidence. If you believe in your work, others will too.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
I have always admired Richard Branson. There is a genuine kindness to him. He puts his faith in others and, as a result, has created a brand that is literally out of this world. He reached for the stars and has touched them. He has treated everyone from the intern to the VP with the same respect. I think how you treat people is incredibly important in life and in business.
‘Poolbeg Pop’ - Karen Lee
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I swim in the sea every Sunday morning in Balscadden, Howth with my good friends, Helen, Audrey, MT and Niamh. It clears my head, recalibrates me and sets me up for the week.
We solve the problems of the world, support each other and celebrate our little achievements.
I also kayak. I do this by myself usually as I enjoy the peace and tranquillity, but there are a group of like-minded folks that I have joined on occasion. And I've managed to get my sister to purchase one too so, and now I have a regular kayaking buddy.
Theatre will always be part of my life. That goes without saying. My favourite venue in Dublin is Smock Alley Theatre. The history, the architectural beauty, and the ethos of encouraging and supporting new work are wonderful.
My daughter, Lucie, held one end of the ribbon as it was officially opened, so it will forever hold a place in my heart.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
The pandemic, thankfully, presented an opportunity for me to explore my potential as an artist and to dip my toe into life as a professional. Firstly, in a local capacity but then, as my work drew an audience, on a national and international scale. My work dons walls from New Zealand to New York. It allowed me the time to practice, reflect and gain confidence in my abilities. I think during the pandemic social media was our means of connecting. Its power is incredible. Instagram has definitely expanded my reach through hashtags, shares and mentions.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I currently have a mentor through my Local Enterprise Board. He has a background in the art world, so he is giving me the guidance that I lack. In the past, I have had assistants on theatre productions and students on work experience at the Gaiety School of Acting. I hope that they enjoyed their time with me and felt that I gave them some nugget of wisdom!
‘Energy’ - Karen Lee
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Practice, practice, and practice. I genuinely feel that most people want you to succeed and not to fail, so just go for it. Keep your ears and eyes open. Learn from your peers and those well established in the business. Don't undersell yourself.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
Imposter Syndrome and not marketing yourself properly. Don't be shy. You have a product that someone wants. Get out there and sell it!
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced." - Vincent van Gogh.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Insomnia Coffee Company has been incredibly supportive of my work. They have given me wall space in their Sutton Cross store, allowed me to exhibit during Covid and have supported my crazy idea of painting in front of their customers with my Pop Up Art Studio series. All in all, they are true believers in supporting local and supporting the arts. They also serve a fierce good flat white!
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
When you can sustain yourself, provide an income through your art, keep your clients happy and when you are complimented by fellow artists whom you admire, that to me is a success. Be yourself. Don't try to be someone else. I can be silly in real life, and sometimes, I'll allow that silliness and element of fun to flow through my social media channels too. Who wants to buy colourful art from a stiff upper lip?
‘Keep Up’ - Karen Lee
‘Poolbeg’ - Karen Lee
‘Trackside’ - Karen Lee