Karen Fike

In the Presence of Another World

Finding Inspiration Amidst Adversity In the wake of the global upheaval caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, I, like many, felt a profound impact on my life. The world seemed to come to a standstill, leaving me with a complex tapestry of emotions – fear, confusion, and a deep sense of loss. Yet, amidst this unprecedented turmoil, I witnessed something extraordinary - the unbreakable spirit of humanity. People came together in ways that left an indelible mark on my soul. For me, the pandemic shook me to my core, challenging my understanding of the world. To navigate this emotional journey, I turned to my canvas and paintbrush. As I began to paint, a powerful image emerged – a woman with eyes that seemed to encapsulate the very essence of my feelings. This artwork, named "The Champagne Angels," was born from the depths of my emotions. It is an ode to those we lost and a celebration of the strength that allowed some of us to endure. It's a visual narrative of the sacrifices and resilience that defined this period in history. Through "The Champagne Angels," I aim not only to express my personal journey but also to pay homage to all those who were affected by the pandemic. It's a testament to the enduring power of art to reflect the human experience. Explore my art, and join me in the conversation it sparks about the depths of our emotions, our resilience, and the indomitable spirit of humanity.
Love is the Answer-Archival Prints Available by Karen Fike
Eyes Wide Still-Archival Prints Available by Karen Fike
Beguiled by Karen Fike

SHE Will Rise (Women's Rights Large Format Paintings)

"A Creative Response to Change: Expressing the Unexpressed" The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade left me with a profound sense of betrayal and shock. As a woman, I had always taken for granted that my body was my own, and the prospect of losing control over my reproductive health was a source of deep fear and uncertainty. In response, I turned to the world of painting, using my art as a medium to process my emotions and give voice to my outrage over this decision. During this challenging time, I had a heartening encounter with my dear friend, Cliff McClelland. He, too, was driven to express his outrage, even as a man who felt he might not have the right to weigh in on this issue. Through a meaningful conversation, Cliff crafted a powerful poem, weaving the allegorical tale of the violation of women's rights in contemporary America. Moved by the poem's unapologetic imagery and its poignant representation of the prevailing landscape, I made the decision to incorporate elements from this evocative poem into my paintings. This fusion of poetry and visual art aims to pay homage to the enduring beauty, strength, and hope that persist, even in the face of a decision that shook us to our core. This collection is not only a testament to the resilience of the human spirit but also an expression of our shared commitment to raising awareness about the significance of reproductive rights. Through art and poetry, we strive to amplify the voices that need to be heard and bring forth a message of hope and solidarity.

The Spaces In Between the Light and Dark

Exploring the Beauty and Chaos of Female Strength: A Chicago-Based Artist's Journey As a Chicago-based artist, I specialize in the realm of acrylic and mixed media on canvas. My artistic focus is firmly rooted in the world of figurative abstractions, with a profound admiration for women as my central theme. In both my role as an artist and an advocate for women's rights, my objective is to capture and convey the essence of female strength, elegance, and the intricate interplay between the beauty and the chaos that women gracefully hold together in their lives. To bring this vision to life, I employ a range of materials, including flash glazes and textured mediums. These elements serve as my brush and canvas, enabling me to immortalize moments within my artwork that possess a unique dynamism. The beauty of my creations lies in their "living" quality. As light and angles shift, these elements reveal and conceal themselves, giving each piece of art a dynamic, ever-changing character. My ultimate goal as an artist is to craft paintings that enchant the viewer, inviting them to experience emotions akin to witnessing the elusive green flash of a sunset or the ethereal beauty of a lucid dream that shimmers away in the waning moments of sleep. In every stroke and texture, my art encapsulates the profound resilience, complexity, and elegance of the female spirit. Through my work, I aspire to ignite contemplation and evoke a deeper connection with the intricacies of life.
You Too Are Forever by Karen Fike
Beguiled by Karen Fike

Walk with Me

Walk With Me is a deeply personal collection, born from the experience of navigating physical health challenges while facing the relentless barrage of crises that threaten our way of life. Each piece captures the tension between uncertainty and resilience—the struggle to stay one step ahead, to prepare for what’s coming, while holding onto the beauty of the world as we know it. Through layered textures, shifting light, and dynamic compositions, these paintings reflect both the turbulence of change and the undeniable vibrance of the present. Walk With Me invites viewers to step into this journey—a meditation on survival, transformation, and the delicate balance between fear and hope.
Walk with Me by Karen Fike
Silent Roar by Karen Fike

Walk with Me

Walk With Me is a deeply personal collection, born from the experience of navigating physical health challenges while facing the relentless barrage of crises that threaten our way of life. Each piece captures the tension between uncertainty and resilience—the struggle to stay one step ahead, to prepare for what’s coming, while holding onto the beauty of the world as we know it. Through layered textures, shifting light, and dynamic compositions, these paintings reflect both the turbulence of change and the undeniable vibrance of the present. Walk With Me invites viewers to step into this journey—a meditation on survival, transformation, and the delicate balance between fear and hope.
Walking on a Wire by Karen Fike