Meet Karen H. Salup | Professional Abstract Mixed Media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen H. Salup and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I stared out actually calling myself and artist, in 1977 I was a baby, looking to grasp and swim in the Art World I started married with no children by the time 1980 came around, I had three beautiful daughters to share may talent with.
I had trusted babysitters and a wonderful husband that new that I would go about succeeding in my desire, to become the person I am today. I studied in the knowledge of artistry, I studied, read books, a attended classes, in color and design and
experimented, all while my children were in school, and I was too. Thankfully, I have two daughters that are successful writers, And a third that has her own BFA. That’s how I came past Jerry Okimoto, he recognized these different hats I wore,
turned me around in one direction and educated me in things I could never imagine, however today I call myself an
Abstract Expressionist and Im competing with new Artists, new exhibits and studio space. This love of mine, this talent has many scary sides, disappointments and wonders too. When I look back at my career, I am proud and accomplished.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Professional Abstract Expressionist, by professional, I mean I have sold my work, I have exhibited my work and have taught Art. My paintings have traveled though The United States and Germany and England. I was one of the first Artists to be invited to an online gallery (paintingsdirect.com) It is not easy at all, it is with courage and determination that I’m consistent to bare my soul among audiences . Always finding and seeking my own intuitive creativity. That intuitive process comes from landscapes, skies and life. Throughout my career, I have sustained an active engagement with drawing, gesture, and making marks on canvas and paper. My meandering lines embody the intimate energies that carry over to my paintings. Despite their enigmatic qualities my, drawings are strikingly articulate in their rhythm, line and allusions as well as sensual in color. I have developed a vocabulary of marks that define my poetry. I have been President of Women in the Visual Arts, 2015-17. I’m on the board of Palm Beach WaterMedia as an executive member, And was Vice President of Exhibits for The National Association of Women Artists, Florida.
Residing in Florida, I have had the privilege to be numerous exhibits. My resume will list them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As I’m a Resident Artists at Arts Warehouse, located in Delray Beach, I would start there and we will meet other artists that share in the studio spaces. The streets of Delray Beach have galleries, shops and restaurants within blocks of each other. Lots of Entertainment too.
South Florida has many other exciting cultural venues. The Cornel Musuem is in the heart of Delray. In West Pam Beach we have the Norton Museum and The Palm Beach Convention Center and the famous Flagler Museum and Clematis Street.
Heading South, The Port of Fort-Lauderdale and The Broward Performing Arts Center, and Riverwalk. Driving South, we have our famous Wynwood Art District, where we can see large murals on buildings and converted warehouses expressing many different society’s. I leave you with The Morikami Museum in Boca Raton.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My success has been journey, finding where my drive and determination was going to lead me. Remembering back to Middle School in Queens, NY. I choose to use my left side of the brain, the creative side! I have always been interested in the Fine Arts. Earlier in this journey I attend the Art Students League, School of Visual Arts, and the Brooklyn Museum School in NewYork. Finally ending up at Long Island University with a BFA. There are two important people who though are no longer here, lead me on my path. Selma Simmons, my grandmother,
who herself was an artist. Jerry Okimoto a well established artist in his own right, during the 1950s Contemporary and Modern Scene in New York City. I have had many important teachers as well, but the most influential is Jerry.
Jerry Okimoto saw in me a young artist trying to find my way, in turning around my style and strategies. Jerry found me in Great Neck, L.I. in a cooperative art studio and we worked together from 1983-1996, when I became ill. I went from an Impressionist Artist to an Abstract Expressionist bringing along with me my color sense.
My first organization I belonged to was National Association of Women Artists.

Website: https://www.karenhs.com

Instagram: ksalup

Linkedin: KarenSalup

Facebook: Karen H. Salup

Image Credits
Angela Bulich Fermin Presno Louis Acosta