Posts in Process
WGVU's Kalamazoo Lively Arts - New Episode: Paper Dreams & Golden Schemes

Reflecting on a Decade of Creativity: My Journey as a Mixed-Media Artist

I’m thrilled to share that I was recently featured in a segment of Lively Arts by WGVU! It’s hard to believe that nearly ten years ago, I sat down for an interview with Lively Arts, and now I have the opportunity to reflect on how my work has evolved since then.

This recent interview allowed me to look back on my artistic journey while also looking forward to what lies ahead. The changes in my work over the past decade have been nothing short of transformative. From exploring new techniques to incorporating innovative materials, each step has added depth and meaning to my creative expression.

In the WGVU segment, I showcase the process of making paper—something I’ve become quite passionate about. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming raw materials into something beautiful and unique. One of the highlights of my work is my use of my grandmother's crushed jewelry, which I’ve turned into paint. This personal touch not only honors her memory but also adds a rich, textured element to my pieces.

I’m excited to share the video with you all, as it captures the essence of my artistic process and the stories behind my work. I’ll also be looking for a way to post my old interview from a decade ago, so you can see the evolution firsthand!

Find my Art in Uncommon Goods!

I am so excited to announce my first catalog collaboration! The well-known catalog Uncommon Goods is exclusively selling my Customizable Trees! As some of you know, I live on a former Christmas Tree farm that is overflowing with whimsical and wonky trees! These fused glass sculptures are inspired by the trees that surround my home! My husband, Jason, makes the tree stumps that are customizable with your name! Check them out on Uncommon Goods!

Best in Category at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair

Wow, was not expecting that! Thank you to the KIA and to all of my collectors who visited during the show!

A Visit With Michelle, and Setting up my Palette!

I had a lovely visit with my apprentice Michelle Bradway last night. Here are some photos she took while visiting. I have began to set out my palette for my next collection release.

Photos by Michelle Bradway Photography

Other photos from this part of the process:

The Nest

Alexa Karabin

The Nest

Handmade Watercolor, Deer Hair, Rubies, 24k Gold Leaf, Geodes, Glass on Panel

20''x20''

$6,000

 

Statement for the Nest:

First, there was the Deer. A painting that was inspired by an incident that involved a deer that was shot on my property, and the subsequent months that followed, watching the animal return to the earth. When only fur was left, I collected some, but left most of it. The day after I collected the fur, a giant oak tree fell on where the body once rested. Months later, in early spring, the pandemic had started and I spent more than a month inside. Scared. Finally, I forced myself to go outside and explore the woods. And that is when I found it. A bird had made a nest out of deer fur! The Deer’s fur. This piece was inspired by the feelings I had at that moment of discovery. 

 

Using a variety of techniques, I create artworks that explore themes of natural history, historical occurrence, memory, and cycles. My materials are found and handmade—my most precious material is my grandmother’s antique jewelry that I crush and use to make handmade watercolors. This piece also includes rubies, emeralds, 24k gold, deer fur, geodes, and glass.

Ekphrastic Poetry by Elizabeth Kerlikowske and Scott Bade Inspired by Equinox: Day and Equinox: Night

“Poets of Southwest Michigan engaged with the Equinox Exhibition artwork under the direction of Elizabeth Kerlikowske, President of Friends of Poetry.” Poets responded to the exhibit that was curated by Maryellen Hains and Anna Z ILL. View the exhibit at Ninth Wave Studio. See Elizabeth Kerlikowske and Scott Bade respond to my pieces Equinox: Day and Equinox: Night in the videos below. Videos were produced by Linda Rzoska of Ninth Wave Studio.

Elizabeth Kerlikowske / Soup

AlexaKarabinEquinoxFullPiece1Day.jpg

Scott Bade / Equinox: Night

AlexaKarabinEquinoxPiece2Night.jpg