Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen La Beau.
Hi Karen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have always drawn. My earliest memory of drawing was at the age of six. However, I did not have aspirations of being a professional artist. After Hurricane Katrina, I moved from New Orleans to Shreveport, LA. I quickly realized I missed my home and my friends. One day I picked up a canvas to cope with my sense of loss. I started painting things that were dear to me from New Orleans such as festivals, girlfriend time, and family life. I ventured out to the local farmer’s market. My work was well received.
The Shreveport community embraced me and my art. I decided to call my series of works, “My Life on Canvas.” I have since been a part of some great art projects, such as a six-month artist residency with visual artist Nick Cave. My work has been shown across Louisiana and in East Texas as well as Southeast Texas. I have also won several awards to include the Cultural Preservation award in New Orleans and the Fellowship award from the local arts council in Shreveport. My most recent award was the GUTS award for my artist contribution to the Shreveport/Bossier area. Through my community connections, I have been invited to serve on several non-profit boards that had an artist component.
Last year, I joined the Shreveport Regional Arts Council in the capacity of the Artists Liaison and Grants Officer. My work there is so fulfilling. I guess after seventeen years as a professional artist, moving into the administrative side of the arts, I’ve become the “Auntie” for the younger artists navigating the art world. I find so much joy and fulfillment being able to guide other artists. I’ve loved it so much I have taken on the Artists Liaison/Curator for the artists apartments in Shreveport, Uneeda Lofts.
I am still cultivating my own professional art goals. I recently opened my Gurlfriendology Art Studio in Shreveport, Louisiana. It provides a gallery space for my collectors to view and purchase my work. I also offer paint parties art lessons as well as a holistic space for people to work through personal difficulties through the creative process. I am extremely grateful to be able to do what I love.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been smooth. Especially since I began painting out of my battle with depression. Art has such a healing aspect, it truly aided in bringing me out of my darkness.
My other challenge was finding the time to further my art career, as I had a full-time job up until last year. Now, the challenge is still carving out the time needed to hot my goals.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known for making the viewer feel the movement in my visual artwork. I love painting people, playing musical instruments, and dancing. Being from New Orleans that means plenty of second-line scenes. The next favorite subject is women. I love my girlfriends as all the activities that we as women enjoy, such as happy hour and brunches. For my love of girlfriends, I started my Gurlfrienology brand. There is specific artwork for this brand as well as stationery and t-shirts. It’s my baby, Gurlfriendoloy is the empowerment of women coming together.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
My first goal is for my art to reach a wider audience. A gift is meant to be shared. I’d love for as many people as possible acquire a “Karen La Beau” original.
My next goal would be on the administrative side. I believe I have inspiration and knowledge to pass along to a wider audience other than just Shreveport/Bossier. Perhaps that will manifest as a traveling public speaker.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.karentlabeau.com
- Instagram: @Karenlabeau
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karenvisualartist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-la-beau-07721016/
