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!

I dug this one up to show my son and I thought it would be fun to add to my blog! I made this in Animation 1 in college. I am still interested in the same themes and have the same sketching style haha.

Photo By Jordan Green

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I had so much fun at Kalamazoo’s Art Hop on April 2nd, 2021! The first in-person event in over a year! I cannot believe it. I felt the Arts Council of Kalamazoo did a wonderful job, safely introducing us back to the world! I want to thank them for their kindness, and for thinking of me to be included in the show. It feels good to be back!

Wait until the end! She has a surprise addition that will make you gasp!

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.

I am part of a wonderful, exciting exhibition called Equinox at Ninth Wave Studio.

“This exhibition was curated by artists Maryellen Hains and Anna Z ILL who invited artists to create new mixed media artwork to consider the topic of the Equinox by reflecting on balance, planetary movement and/or biological and emotional equilibrium.”

Participating Artists: Mindi Bagnall, Maryellen Hains, Brent Harris, Anna Z ILL, Alexa Karabin, Courtney S. Nelson, Sniedze Janson-Rungis, Linda Rzoska, Nancy Stroupe, Randy Walker

Showing September 8 through November 21, 2020.

Equinox: Day

24k Gold, Broken Glass, 3 Moths, Antique Beads, Mixed-Media

Equinox: Night

Handmade Paint, Broken Glass, Antique Beads, A Cicada, Mixed-Media

Photosynthesis - The Original Painting with 24k Gold Leaf - Moon Stones, Crystals, and Antique Jewelry - 24''x36''

$7,000.00

This was originally posted in 2017

This is my first video! This painting was made with ink, salt, alum, and silver leaf. I love the process of making these pieces, so this is my attempt to share my love of the process. The song is Waltz in A minor by Chopin, performed by Aya Higuchi. It is a special song to me because Chopin is my favorite composer, and I have performed this song at several performances (back in the day). Thank you for viewing. Please note, this artwork has sold.