Since 2006, Miami based artist Karen Starosta-Gilinski, born in 1982, has exhibited in Miami, London, and Shanghai. Karen was born in the U.S., and grew up in Venezuela. When she was 18 she moved back to the states to attend Miami International University of Art and Design for a BFA. Later she also studied drawing at Accademia Del Giglio in Florence, Italy.
She has developed a variety of nontraditional artwork, mostly sculptures, that range from Narrativism to Conceptualism and Minimalism. Her pieces achieve unusual materials and ideas. Karen’s work is produced in her studio in Little River at The Fountainhead Studios, and is represented by Miami Boldest, Primary Projects. Starosta-Gilinski has collaborated in designing authentic jewelry inspired by her artwork, which already motivated her to continue working in collaboration with other fashion brands.
What's the first piece of art you fell in love with?
A dreamy Marc Chagall tapiz I saw when I was a little girl. Now I'm in love with Urs Fischer sculptures; they are clever and exciting.
Who are your favorite designers?
In furniture, I love Benjamin Aranda and Chris Lasch, their crystalline designs are like a solid origami-piece; also, Gio Ponti and Karim Rashid. In fashion, Christian Dior and Christian Louboutin.
What is the best piece of style advice you've ever heard?
Hair down and no makeup, but I still use lipstick.
Who are your favorite writers?
Poets, E.E. Cummings and Sharon Olds. Poetry is implicit expression, similar to interpreting a piece of art.
What is inspiring you these days?
Fragile materials that seem to break with a glimpse, but in reality, they are strong and solid. When I cover the delicate reflection of a mirror, it transforms into this strong unbreakable object; illusions distort reality.
Do you ever work with anyone to design specific jewelry pieces?
Yes, I designed limited edition jewelry pieces inspired in my artwork with jeweler espiritutara. Primary Projects is exhibiting the whole collection. It is interesting to see the concept of the artwork reflected on precious metals used on your body, rather than in an open space.
What is your motto?
Let your actions speak.
What is your favorite indulgence?
Road Trips
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
An accomplished full-time artist and mother.
What career other than your own would you like to attempt?
Designing fashion pieces in collaboration with the brand. However, to create art is something I was destined to do. In fact, while I studied graphic design, I did not enjoy using computers. I need to use my hands to express myself. Art is my impulse, and the idea is to build on that over the course of my career.
What's the brand you refer to in this question?
Brands I admire so much, such as Christian Dior, Stella McCartney and American Apparel.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I'm a dreamer; sometimes it is better to forget about the future and absorb the present.
What travels have influenced your art?
Everywhere I travel influences my artwork. In Florida, I get inspired by just looking out the window and viewing the scenery while on the road. Conversely, a distant trip to Vietnam or Denmark blows my mind; I get fresh theories that later get translated into my work. I believe that getting to know cultures and places is a way to evolve as a visual artist and human being. I will convert the thoughts from the places I explore into art. If I can't travel, my mind will do the work by itself.
Photo credit: Justin Namon
