Karena A Karras

I am a Chicago native who grew up near Division and California Ave. by Humbolt park. My childhood memories are made up of old Chicago Alleyways, tenements, red brick and cement played against the lush greenery and ponds of the nearby Park. I began drawing and painting when I was 4 years old. In my work I attempt to explore the interconnectedness of all things. I spend much of my time reading books on mythology, psychology, philosophy, metaphysics, alchemy and the world of dreams. Through my paintings I attempt to reveal the hidden or the occult part of the psyche that we touch upon in the dream state. Much of the imagery in my work comes spontaneously into my mind in the form of a completed image or is done automatically using a very old technique or process called 'decalcomania' which was taken to new heights by the surrealist artist Max Ernst. Metamorphosis plays a large part in my work, hence the human figure will also be part animal or become one with a tree -- hair transforms into flowers, branches, clouds or flowing streams, roots sprout from the ankles to become a part of the decaying undergrowth of a forest floor or the inside of a cave and bodies will at times sprout leaves or feathers.