Rising Stars: Meet Karen Sikie of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Sikie.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
One day, I realized my journey to be an artist was fueled by spite. My father, who dreamed of being an artist, left our family for his secretary on Father’s Day when I was 11. Yet in his few moments of being fatherly, he once advised us to “Reach for the Stars” and pursue our passions.
Art had always been part of my life, nurtured by my grandmother, a hobby artist who engaged me and my siblings in creative activities. Sadly, when my father left, he took her with him, planting a seed of resentment I only began to understand years later as I began my spiritual journey.
While studying French at UCLA, I discovered a Gustav Klimt book in a bookstore’s art section. Enchanted by Klimt’s patterns, my father’s words came into my mind and resonated. In that moment I decided to pursue art, driven by a lingering “I’ll show him” determination lodged in my heart.
My awakening began in the hospital, cradling my newborn daughter in my arms for the first time. In that moment, It hit me! I realized how unprepared I was for motherhood, unsure of why I got married or had a child. It felt like my life went from black and white to color, reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz. I knew deep down the need to become my best self, a true example for my little one. This marked the beginning of my journey to uncovering my true nature.
Nature became my sanctuary, whether walking with my dogs, tending the garden, or simply being outdoors. I was captivated by its beauty and the deeper lessons it offered, change, life cycles, reciprocity, and balance. These principles transformed my work and life, freeing me from resentment and helping me understand that my dad did his best. I found freedom.
There are many lenses through which one can awaken. My work as an artist highlights our connection to the natural world and Her wisdom. What better teacher exists, as we literally depend on Her for our survival? Her beauty, patterns, textures, and diversity inspire me. I hope my work serves both the world and this magnificent planet.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The only obstacles I’ve encountered are the limiting beliefs I’ve held, and the real challenge has been transforming those beliefs. The profound truth I’ve come to realize is that my inner life shapes my outer experiences. Living in alignment with this truth is my life’s work, with Nature providing the wisdom that guides me and is expressed through my art.
Nature is not a destination; it is the essence of our reality. If you’re breathing, driving on a freeway or standing in an elevator, you are immersed in Nature. Everything on this planet originates from the Earth and the stars and will all eventually return to them.
As I marvel at the spectacle that is the universe, I recognize the presence of something greater than myself at work. In those moments, I pause, take a deep breath, and I consider the lilies.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I was captivated with the beautiful, embossed paper in my hands after slicing it from an antique wedding photo I was preparing to frame. I was working as a framer in Torrance CA, one of three jobs I was balancing after I dropped out of UCLA to peruse an Independ Study program for drawing and painting at El Camino Jr college.
For reasons I couldn’t quite explain, I tucked the paper into my purse. Later in class, I pondered how to weave it into my paintings. Once I did, the paper took over the painting and became my medium of choice. This led me to create a unique and specialized form of collage that I call Paper Mosaics.

Three distinctive elements define me as an artist. First, my unique process involves meticulously hand-cutting papers and carefully gluing them onto drawings to craft intricate images often mistaken for paintings.

Second, while Nature serves as my muse, I delve into Her beauty through botanicals, portraits, and flowing abstracts. This approach expands the concept of the natural world to encompass people and energy.

Third, I specialize in partnering with art consultants to craft pieces specifically for medical spaces. These commissions are often executed with tissue paper mounted on Lucite, a translucent panel that allows me to utilize both the front and back. This creates depth, layers, and a dynamic interaction with light. The soothing, healing energy of nature is among its greatest gifts, providing serenity and comfort to those who experience it especially in these spaces.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
AI is a trend that cannot be ignored and is continually expanding. In my view, this evolution is inevitable. Since the dawn of time, artists have explored various tools for expression, utilizing everything from charcoal sticks and natural earth pigments mixed with animal fats, to new metal tools, the camera obscura, and Photoshop—now, AI joins this lineage. I celebrate our ongoing expansion of expression in all its beautiful forms. How it will all unfold remains a mystery, but I’ve chosen to embrace it and continue my work, confident that there is space for everyone’s creativity to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.karensikie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karensikie/