Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Flower.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Karen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
July 17, 2006, my life was changed forever. That was the day my seven-year-old son Michael died tragically in an automobile accident. During the time, I was working in fast food management as a GM of a local Mc Donalds.
Facing such sudden tragedy, I sought grief counseling. During a session my counselor suggested, I volunteer at a shelter or something to help get me with anxiety and give me some direction. I decided to take that one step further and go back to school to become a teacher which was something I always wanted. I needed meaning in my life. I wanted to do something with a purpose. I wanted to give back. I started slow and found that art and the process of making during my studies to get my BFA was very therapeutic. Most of the themes within my work always took me back to the grief I felt after losing Michael. But, through this self-expression, I found healing.
Fast forward to 2017. After going to college part-time for many years and then full time at The University of Texas at Arlington, it was time for my student teaching cycle. I was steps away from graduation. Knowing I would essentially be working 40 plus hours unpaid at a school, I had to figure out a way to make extra cash. That is when Ragamuffin Face Painting was born. I started small at Lola’s Rock and Roll Rummage Sale in Fort Worth. A really laid back and eclectic pop up market of fellow creatives and vintage vendors. Through my exposure there, I built my business by doing corporate marketing events and other pop-ups around DFW. I also do parties at homes, skating rinks, and wedding receptions. I recently provided face paint and body art at the First Annual Trinity Pride Festival in Fort Worth too. I love face painting because it lets both young and old express themselves in a way that makes them smile. After graduating from UTA with my Bachelors in Fine Art in Art Education, I am now teaching Art to junior high students at a school here in the metroplex… I still do parties and you can always find me at Lola’s Trailer Park in Fort Worth’s cultural district either at The rummage sale on the last Sunday of every month or their new farmer’s market on the second Sunday of the month.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
At 53, I have seen my share of struggles. Especially losing my son and trying to bounce back from that. I have to say that you need to rely on friends, family, your tribe or your chosen tribe. To be honest, without my friends and my daughter, am not sure I’d be where I am today. With their help and support, I pushed myself when I thought I couldn’t. I woke up and took myself to class because I wanted to reach my dream. I kept my son’s memory in my heart and strived to make him proud. I took my pain and I found a way to express that through my personal art. Don’t let people or the voices of doubt in your head tell you that you can’t do it. When things get hard, reach out to someone. Even if it takes you as long as it did me to reach your dreams, I promise you it will be worth it. Be it the smiles and joy I give kids when I paint their faces or the skills, I teach my 8th graders in the art classroom I know I am doing what I was meant to do all along.
What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
When it comes to face painting, my philosophy is to take my time with each individual and provide them with that special moment of fantasy. I don’t rush just to make money. My goal is that smile or twinkle in their eye when they leave my chair.
When it comes to my personal art, I love when the observer can interact with my work. Be that emotionally or physically. I want them to empathize with the issue, the emotion or the statement I am trying to make.
One of my proudest moments as an artist was at my BFA exhibit. During my final year, I had installed old doors throughout campus. Leaving Sharpie markers for people to “write their stories.” I myself had included quotes from civil rights leaders, past presidents, and celebrities. Also, leaving a small spray painted narratives of issues I felt was a boundary between us as individuals. To me, doors were the boundary. But, the doors of hate, or politics, gender, socioeconomic and race that people put up block us from understanding each other. But, if I give you a public place to write your story, someone may just read it and perhaps, just perhaps begin to understand your struggle. I believe that we just need to open our door just a little and leave our fears behind and get to know one another.
So, for my final installation at the show, I place two of the doors that had been written on throughout campus and one blank door and more markers on a pedestal. To step back and watch adults and children take in my work in a gallery setting was truly amazing. To see them moved as they read the stories of people and their own struggle, I was moved, to watch them also pick up a marker and write their own story was even more touching. This was my proudest moment to date.
It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Ha, I am a big NPR fan. I have my car radio set there and rarely move it. That is how I stay informed. Aside from that as an artist, I just keep making.
Pricing:
- For face painting at pop-ups, my individual prices range from $4 – $7.
- For parties within Tarrant County, I charge $100 an hour with each hour after discounted. (Elsewhere is a little more depending on the distance.
- Paintings and other personal artwork vary depending on the piece.
Contact Info:
- Email: ragamuffin5591@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ragamuffinface.painting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ragamuffinfacepainting/
Image Credit:
Crystal Martinez, Karen Flower
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