Painting: a process

Every painting has a process. 

And as an artist, every time I go through that process, I'm reminded of all the work the Lord has done in my life to turn ordinary—or even ugly—things into a beautiful reflection of Him.

It goes like this: He spots something empty; a place inside that's doing nothing for me, much less for anyone else. Maybe it's pride. Maybe it's perfection. Whatever it is, it needs to be transformed.

So He takes out His palette, and begins His work. At first, it can be scary. Things might look even uglier than they did before.

Then, slowly, things begin to change. Color is introduced. Things look brighter. What was once dead begins to show signs of life.

He surprises me, laying down the first strokes of a grander, more elaborate design for my life than I could have ever dreamed up on my own.

Next, He humbles me, showing me He's a God who cares not only about the big picture, but about the tiny details of my life. The cares and concerns, the need for confirmation; the things I think are too small or insignificant to bring before Him.

It can be hard and uncomfortable to let Him shine His light into the places we try to keep hidden. The fears. The doubts. The insecurities.

But the most glorious part of this process?

He's already paid for all of it—everything ugly, everything painful, everything I've done that says I don't deserve the grace He gives—on the cross. He's already spoken the words, "It is finished." (John 19:30)

 

Praise God, redemption has happened! Sanctification? That's ongoing...meaning there's always something new for Him to work on.

Good thing He's the Master of turning nothings into somethings.

Isaiah 61:3: "...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."

 ~

"Joy Comes in the Morning"
Mixed Media on Canvas
by Karley Kiker
2013
www.karleyart.com

Goodwill goes glam

Sometimes, really cute things are wrapped in really not-cute packages.

Like this wine rack.

Before

I bought her at Goodwill a while ago thinking that she had potential—she's capable of holding 16 bottles, after all.

But features like unfinished wood and tacky bolts had really cemented her status as a plain-Jane. To fix her up and make her shine, it became increasingly obvious that I would need to bring out the "big guns" of the fashion world.

Those would be turquoise and leopard print, obviously.

After

 

Some might say she's over-the-top. But I think she's grade-A fabulous.  

And there's definitely nothing subtle about her beauty now.

Need this wine rack to spice up your kitchen? Purchase by visiting my (brand new, really empty) Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/artbyKarley).

Summer Colors, round two

On Thursday evening, Taylor and I attended (ready for a mouthful?) the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children "Summer Colors" art show and auction. Reasons why our night was both spectacular and super-cultured: I'm a former patient of the hospital, I was a featured artist at the show, and it was our first grown-up event to attend together.

Oh...and I got to introduce everyone to "my husband, Taylor." Aw!

Auction tables before guest arrival | Photo: Summer Colors

Goodbyes on display

My work is officially on display at Giddens Gallery of Fine Art in Grapevine, TX.

I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to show and sell pieces of my collection.

But y'all...I'm also a little heartbroken.

Those canvases on the wall? They each contain a little bit of my heart.

In a way, I guess all of my artwork does. But these four...they're special.

Each piece has a story.

Technically, this one's title is "unnamed." But I lovingly refer to him as The Chief.

The Chief was inspired by a Native American Lit class I took at Pepperdine. We covered so many authors, and just as many subjects: longing, pride, sorrow, tradition, fear, and passion. The Chief is not one man. I referenced two photos of historical chiefs to develop my chief's face (one from the Crow Nation, one who was not identified). There is no underlying sketch. I started by painting the shadows, and let his features form around them.

When I look at The Chief, I feel everything: longing, pride, sorrow, tradition, fear, and passion.

I'm so happy he's on display, and so excited about the conversations he might start among gallery visitors. But I'm still sad to let him go.

"sunrise/sunset"

He's been hanging in my room, and the spot where he used to live seems lonely now.

I painted him in Texas, but he once brightened my tiny Pepperdine apartment, too. I don't know why my attachment to this piece is so strong. It's a color-based abstract--something I can recreate.

But it won't be quite the same.

"What Is"

This one was a commission for dad.

It's been in his office for over two years now, and those words have become our family motto.

My mom, my dad, and I have all struggled with (intense) anxiety at different points in our lives. This is the catchphrase we use to re-center.

We can still speak it, of course. But I'll kind of miss looking at it on the wall.

Here's where "Flowers" used to sit.

It was a commission for mom, inspired by a small oil painting we found in a cafe.

Huge, textured, bright. It was the focal point of my parent's living room.

I'm okay with seeing this one go. My mom, on the other hand...

let's just say, I owe her another painting.

So why let them go? Why say goodbye to pieces from my personal collection? Why put a price tag on pieces of my heart?

(overly dramatic, but I'm "an artist"...which totally entitles me to occasional bouts of drama)

Here's the answer: because the Lord has so faithfully given me the very best, even when I am faithless. And, in good faith, I wanted to give back to Him in kind.

Here's the story: I wanted to show my work in a gallery. I had no idea how to go about doing so. Today, I loaded three canvases into my car. While driving through downtown Grapevine, I saw a sign in a window. "Giddens Gallery of Fine Art: Currently Interviewing Artists."

I interviewed. They accepted. I put my canvases on their wall. Their soft opening is tomorrow. My work will be up in time for Grapefest, which traditionally draws crowds of 250,000+.

It's the very best that I have to give. It's all that's left of my personal art collection.

An offering of thanks to a Father whose name is Grace and Love.

James 1:17 - "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

1 Chronicles 29:14 - "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."

xx

Besides, sometimes, it's good to get rid of the old. I think it's time to create a few new pieces.

Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Sold Out: a summary

everything sold. everything!

praise God from whom all blessings flow.

bidding

scene

artist introductions

live piece, finished

blessed by y'all. thank you!

former patients

proud new owners

my forever team

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3: 20-22

Summer Colors: a preview

I really wish you all could come to the show tonight.

Since some of you can't, I thought I'd give you a little sneak peak.

Here's a few things you would see if you happened to stop by:

"the karley bun"

my art, for sale

a lot of these being handed out.

prayers/good luck wishes, please!

xo

You're invited!

You're invited. And I hope you'll say yes to the invitation! Here's the scoop:

Summer Colors is an art show + auction benefiting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. Funds raised by the event will allow the TSRHC staff to purchase anything from games to toys to medical supplies - whatever the kiddos need most.

*Note: I was a patient at Scottish Rite. I'm currently a volunteer at Scottish Rite. And on August 16th, I'll display my work as a featured artist at Summer Colors, hosted inside Scottish Rite. I'll also be doing a live painting at the event over the course of the evening - so if you feel like getting splattered by paint, make sure you come say hey!



One of the pieces I'll be auctioning off at the show

Simply put, Scottish Rite changed my life for the better. This event will do the same for you (I promise). Buy tickets here for $25, or at the door for $30.

See you there!