Meet Karina Keri-Matuszak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karina Keri-Matuszak.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I spent my younger life creating art and went to art school in London for a while. I thought I was a good realistic artist but in school I kept getting Cs. We had an abstract project and I hated abstract art. I drank wine before I did the project and I got an A. My professor said my work was brilliant. I knew I needed to switch to abstract art but I dreaded it. Now I love it. I didn’t really consider it for a career because I was just trying to pay bills during my 30s. I had a business degree specializing in Small Business and Entrepreneurship. I was trying to decide what to do for the next few decades and I saw artists selling on EBay. Some were making $30,000 per month. I decided I’d give it a shot but I needed something unique. I had seen some copper paintings and I decided to try my hand. It worked and my first week I sold 4 paintings and I never looked back.

Please tell us about your art.
I create copper paintings and sell them all over the world. My art has appeared in books, magazines, TV, retail shops, galleries, and online. When I create a piece, I use copper as a separate color and work it into the design. I also use any wrinkles or flaws in the metal as part of the design. I like to connect with my collectors so I never reveal to anyone why I gave a painting a specific title. When someone purchases a painting, I provide an “Explanation of Title” to them and never share it with anyone else. This way we have a connection through the art.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I always treated my art business as a business. I’ve been a part of seminars teaching artists how to make money selling art. The best thing I can tell an artist just starting out is to drop your ego and try to crank out as much art as possible at the price the market dictates. Too many artists think their art is “worth” $2000 because they decide. No. If you sell one painting every few years at that price you aren’t a full time artist. Instead, try to move a few a week. Cost your paintings like a product. (Cover your materials and add in an hourly rate comparable to the real world). Then increase your prices as you get too busy to keep up.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I have always sold primarily online. I have 5 online galleries I sell through plus a clothing and home decor line through Vida. I do try to have some retail or gallery presence. I currently have a display at the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention here in Atlanta. It’s not open to the general public but anyone who works there can see it. I’m always working on more gallery and retail placement so staying connected through my email mailing list or social media is best.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.atlantacopperworks.com
• Email: atlcopperworks@aol.com
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/Atlcopperworks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantacopperworksstudio/
• Twitter: Http://Twitter.com/atlcopperworks
• Other: Www.atlcopperworks.etsy.com

Image Credit:
Carlo Barone
Lynn Teddlie

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.