October 06, 2015
ARTIST KARIN HAAS
Karin Haas always knew that she was going to be an artist, but getting to that point was another matter. After showing a keen interest in drawing and painting, her parents enrolled her in classes at a young age. “My parents are both very passionate about art, music and fashion, and that really shaped the person that I am today,” says the New York-based artist. After school she studied printmaking at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, but it wasn’t until she moved to New York that she was able to focus on her art practice. Once she dedicated to it full-time, she found gallery representation and had her first solo show in Manhattan. She has also designed textiles for C Keller’s upcoming Spring/Summer 2016 collection.
Which five words best describe you? Determined, honest, kind, adventurous and responsible.
How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? Being creative and continuing to make work is very important to me and makes me happy. When I graduated from college I was working odd full-time jobs to make money while still trying to make work. Though many creative people have full time jobs and still manage to find time to create work it proved very difficult for me. While working full-time I felt uneasy about the little time I had to actually create work. Last year I decided not to work full-time and put everything I had into my work. The beginning was tough and I had very little money, however, it didn’t take long before the extra time started making a difference. I had time to create a whole new body of work, found gallery representation, had my first solo show, and completed my first textile collaboration all within my first year. Maybe it was just luck but taking that chance was one of the best career decisions I ever made.
What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Work hard and be kind.
What’s your proudest career achievement? I have two proud career achievements that happened this year. I created an entire new body of work and had my first solo show in Manhattan. Second, I was able to collaborate with C Keller, a New York women’s clothing brand, designing textiles for their Spring/Summer 2016 collection.
What’s been your best decision? So far moving to New York City.
Who inspires you? My friends and my fiancé. It’s important to me that I always keep good company. They are honest and always introducing me to many things that inspire me.
What are you passionate about? Cooking. About six years ago I experienced some alarming dietary restrictions that completely changed my lifestyle and the way I eat food. I started reading and watching movies about food, which I have learned a lot from. My fiancé and I love cooking together and make the most of our meals at home using really simple ingredients.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Bill Murray or Diane Keaton, I can’t decide.
What dream do you still want to fulfill? My dream project is always changing. Right now two of my best friends have been working on their own line. I would love to collaborate and design textiles for them. Collaborating with friends is so much fun especially if you understand each other’s aesthetic.
What are you reading? I am toggling between a few right now. I am reading about Charles & Ray Eames, Jean Prouvé, and the latest Apartamento.
images courtesy of karin haas
