KARIN CZERMAK

   

    

1. Share a bit about you and how you became an artist.

 

My name is Karin Czermak. I am an Austrian-based artist who studied Fine Arts at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi.

My work is inspired by natural areas. Based on numerous outdoor sketches my paintings are a representation of feeling a landscape, rather than a record of seeing it. Since I was a child, I have loved to express myself by artistic means – dance, music, taking pictures, painting, etc. I grew up traveling the world, exploring new cultures and places – with an endlessly growing desire to capture the beauty of these places. I quickly discovered the power of sketching and painting as tools to not merely document the outside world but rather creating emotional and visual memories. This is where it all started for me.

 

 

 

   Artist: Karin Czermak, Austria.  Photographer: Robert Hofer

 

 

 

2. For artists who've always lived in their birth country, how does your homeland inspire your art?

Artists who born and raised in different countries, how do those experiences influence your art?

 

I am currently based in my home country. Before settling here, I traveld the world, studied and worked in several countries all over the globe. The experiences made during my time abroad still influence my art up to now. I have always been curious. This curiosity is still driving me today as I love to experiment with diffferent techniques and matrials and discover new ways to express myself artistically. Recently I discovered the magical world of Cyanotypes, an old photographic technique. I love the unpredictable outcome and imperfections of these prints. Combined with using gold, this technique has opened a whole new palette of possibilities for me to bring nature in all its senses on paper.

 

   

    

 

 

3. Can you describe your art and your art style? What does your work aim to say?

 

I create abstract landscape in acrylic and oil. My work is rooted in the natural world but goes beyond depicting a landscape as such. I use loose brushstrokes, combined with gestural pastel marks to reinvent my very own vision of a place. I aim at creating atmospheric and timeless paintings – wavering between abstraction and realism. My paintings invite you to look closer and discover places made up by open brushwork and vibrant colors. In my paintings, the landscape remains fragmented yet expressive. Shapes and colors invite you to find your very own landscape: mountain views, coastlines, purple lavender fields…

 

 

 

 

  "Landlines Glutrot" by Karin Czermak, Austria. 

 

   

    

4. Who are your biggest influences?

 

Nature inspires me. My love for mountains, seascapes or woodlands stimulates my creative process and influences my work. I cherish the moments outside – where I can explore light and shadow in my sketchbook and create colour combinations which fascinate me.

 

Works by contemporary landscape artists, such as Per Adolfsen or Amanda Bittner, keep me curious. I love how some artists construct landscapes with only a view gestural brushstrokes and I am intrigued by the details of realist landscapes.

 

 

 

 

5. How has your career developed and evolved?

 

I studied Fine Arts at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna and at the University of Lapland in Rovaniemi. As I am also a mother of three I am currently balancing family life and my artistic career as well as art teaching. I have shown my work at art fairs (such as TOAF in London), in artist run gallery spaces, in galleries and city museums. I am currently selling my art as an independent artist via my own website and online galleries such Saatchi and Singulart.

 

My bigest learing so far is that you should believe in yourself. Don’t expect others to believe in you if you constantly doubt yourself.

 

 

 

 

 Artist: Karin Czermak, Austria.  Photographer: Robert Hofer

   

   

  

6. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?

 

I love to dream big! And as Walt Disney said: ”All you dreams will come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

I would love to see my work exhibited in museums around the world. International Shows and Gallery representations – YES, please

Regarding my art, I love to explore new techniques and keep the creation process interesting and rewarding. I plan to further push the boundaries between abstract and representational art.

 

 

  

7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as an artist?

 

Keep working. Only when you practice you will get better.

 

 

 

 "Winterlight" by Karin Czermak, Austria. 

   

   

   

8. How do you balance your personal life and your art practice?

 

I am a mother of three, a teacher and an artist. Balancing family life and work is an everyday challenge. Having a home studio helps a lot. I can switch easily between my different roles. When we go on family hikes or holidays I usually take my sektchbook with me. My two girls love to sketch and paint too.

 

 

 

9. How do you balance social media and your art creation?

 

Good question! I am struggling with that too. Social media has been so valuable to me in terms of connecting with artists and galleries all over the world. I also love to share my art on social media, give insights into my art practice and inform my followers about my upcoming shows. But it is also very timeconsuming.

It is important that I allocate enough time to my art practice such as sketching, colour studies and painting. No social media for me when I am in my studio. But I do record short video sequences and take pictures.

 

 

 

 

 "Lakeside" by Karin Czermak, Austria.

   

   

 

10. Can you share your favorite quote and what it means to you?

 

Pablo Picasso  -  "Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working."

 

 

 

11. Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or those thinking of starting an art career?

 

Starting out in art can be both exciting and challenging. Here are some tips and encouragement that could help you at beginning of your journey:

• Experiment with different techniques, mediums and styles so you can find what resonates with you

• Practice: Never stop creating – your art will improve with practice

• Mistakes: These are an integral part of the learning process.

• Your own style: This is what will set you apart from others.

 

 

 

12. Where can people find your art?

 

 www.instagram.com/czermakart/
 
www.karinczermak.com

 

 

 

Contact Details

 

 

Artist name: Karin Czermak

 

Email: czermakart@gmail.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/czermakart/

 

Website: www.karinczermak.com

 

Other social media platforms: https://www.facebook.com/karinczermak