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.
So, really I am at day 70! I just haven’t had time to sit and type them up and upload photographs. I have been so busy completing my first collection of jewelry. And here it is! Please take a look, and let me know what you think.
Still working on this grasshopper. I am behind on #marchmeetthemaker, ugh. I will get back on track tomorrow. I have had such a busy week. We started remodeling our bathroom. And I have tried to keep my kids out of the house because of all the noise. I am ready for the weekend. Hopefully I can get in my studio for a bit. 😬🙏
I wish I could describe what is going on in my studio right now. The sparkle in these three is so captivating. But I can’t capture it in a photo or video! Frustrating. These pieces really need to be seen in person. I think it’s time for another exhibition. I just don’t know where. Or how. Or when. I’ll figure it out. Let me know if you have any suggestions!
My pendants are slowly coming out of the bath, and they look so good. These are tiny handmade watercolor paintings that are adorned with 18k gold leaf. They are then permanently encased in copper. They are so hard to photograph! They look soooo much cooler in person. I am going to patina them black, so the gold pops. I hope to have some legit photos, soon!
My pendants are finally going into the electroform bath today! I am SO excited. After a year of experimentation, I will finally be able to release a real collection of jewelry. Each of these pieces encapsulates a little bit of my heart and soul. I can’t wait to share them with you!
Day 14 of #marchmeetthemaker is “how you learnt”. I attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where I studied Printmedia and Painting and Drawing. I got my BFA in 2009 and my MFA in 2011. I feel very lucky to have had the experience, as it was a great one!
My first portrait of my son. I have been so scared to go there, because especially when they are your own, they are so precious and perfect. I didn’t want to ruin that. Today’s #marchmeetthemaker is supposed to be about me, but I am not really in the mood to show my face today! What is hard about these challenges is finding ways to be on, when you are off! So, I thought I would show this instead! It was painted with my handmade watercolors. I am going to offer custom portraits through my website, soon. Sign up for my newsletter to be notified when they are available!
