Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Weiss.
Hi Karen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and author based in Dallas, Texas, skilled in mural painting, body art, jewelry design, and photography. As a painter, I’ve enjoyed a wide range of surfaces—from canvases and paper, to furniture, buildings and people.
I am primarily a self-taught artist. The exploration of different media has always been important to me and there is so much more I want to learn! The first art form I fell in love with was photography, at age twelve. Later my manual Canon AE1 became an integral part of my life. In the 1980’s, delving deeply into alternative processes and experimenting with hand coloring, solarization, duo-toning, paper negatives and more, I found the darkroom a creative and magical place to be.
My most recent project is a children’s book and accompanying MP3 titled “Firefly Lullaby.” Though designed for children, the book is often purchased by adults who appreciate it as a unique work of art. This project blends my love for children, books, nature, and art.
“Firefly Lullaby” was recognized as one of Kirkus Reviews’ “100 Best Indie Books of 2023.” Among other places, it is currently available in four museum gift shops: The Dallas Museum of Art, The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, The Meadows Museum in Dallas, and the Shaker Heritage Museum in Albany, New York.
Before the pandemic, my thriving body art business offered henna, face painting, and temporary custom tattoos for public and private events. When COVID-19 forced me to shut down my business, things felt very uncertain, but the time allowed me to finally focus on creating the book that I had dreamed of for 20 years. The process became a way to channel my creative energy into something lasting and meaningful. Sharing it with others has been incredibly rewarding.
It took three years to complete the “Firefly Lullaby” project. The illustrations were made the old-fashioned way, by hand and heart, with pencil, brushes, canvas, and paint. The work included completing the series of large acrylic paintings to serve as illustrations, studying the ins and outs of publishing, and learning the necessary software to handle the book’s graphic design and layout. It was fun to venture into sound production for the first time to create the MP3 which features sounds of nature to complement the story.
Please note that I will personally inscribe the book and sign it for you when ordered from my website, www.FireflyLullaby.com!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
In the 90’s, I had a solo photography show, followed by solo exhibitions of my fine art paintings in 2005 at the Bath House Cultural Center and the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. Not long after, my priorities shifted as I focused primarily on supporting my family. Building my body art business, not only sustained us financially but also allowed me the flexibility to care for my loved ones. Today, I continue to balance care giving and creative work, now in the role of supporting my elderly parents. I often wonder what it might feel like to have the time and space for a dedicated, full-time studio practice. Much of my time an artist and author now goes to marketing, outreach, shows and readings- which, while necessary, often leaves less room for the act of creation itself. Still, I remain committed to finding moments, however small, to keep the creative spark alive.
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?
As far as fine art goes, I consider myself primarily a painter. Color plays a central role in my painting process—it feels like a second language to me.
Rather than drawing from life, I usually work from imagination, allowing me to create imagery that is both unique and original.
The image of a HOUSE is central to my iconography and has appeared in my work for decades, in both 2-D and 3-D forms. It symbolizes my heartfelt wish that everyone could live in a safe and nurturing home. You will find houses, along with other recurring motifs including trees, boats, whimsical birds, water, and tricycles throughout “Firefly Lullaby” and in my other paintings.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I am very lucky to have two wonderful kids, Austin and Liora, who both contributed greatly to “Firefly Lullaby.”
As an artist/entrepreneur, I wear many hats, juggling marketing, bookkeeping, website design, and more. I am grateful when the hard work and persistence pay off. I was “lucky” to paint faces on a cruise ship and tour a bit of Europe, but it wouldn’t have happened had I not developed my skills and pursued the opportunity. As it is said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”
I feel quite fortunate for the many lovely people who have touched my life as a result of my artistic endeavors: wonderful shopkeepers and customers who have purchased my work, fellow artists, and thousands of people I have adorned with body art. These days, one of my greatest joys is receiving letters from readers telling me their child or grandchild asks to have “Firefly Lullaby” read to them every night! So, yes, I am a lucky and very grateful person.
Pricing:
- The book is $20.00.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://FireflyLullaby.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_weiss_artist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100037509195848
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-weiss-7415a160
- Other: https://karenweiss.net
