Episode 16 - Karen Jerzyk
Karen Jerzyk is a fine art photographer known for her surreal and haunting images that explore themes of femininity, identity, loss, isolation, and mental illness. Born on June 25th, 1981, in Manchester, NH, Karen grew up fascinated with fantasy and sci-fi films from her childhood and the practical effects often used in the movies she saw.
She is known for her unique and imaginative style, which often incorporates surreal and dreamlike elements into her work. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 2003, her parents gifted her with her first digital camera. In 2009, after nearly 10 years of working as a photographer in the music industry, she started shooting portraits of people, and ultimately decided to shift her focus to fine art photography and became more interested in creating her unique style of images, which became a trademark of shooting elaborate scenes in abandoned buildings.
Karen's father, who was her biggest supporter, passed away in 2011 when she was 29 years old. The loss of her father had a significant impact on Karen's life, and she struggled with feelings of loneliness and isolation. To cope with her grief, she turned to art, and it became an essential part of her life. Her father's death also had a profound influence on her work, which became more introspective and personal, exploring themes of death and loss.
Karen's photographs are known for their unique style, often featuring women in dreamlike or otherworldly settings. She uses dramatic lighting to create a surreal atmosphere, and her images often have an element of darkness to them. Karen's photography has become a tool for her to express her emotions and connect with others who are struggling with mental health challenges.
In addition to her photography work, Karen is also a respected art director and set designer. She has collaborated with musicians, filmmakers, and other artists to create visually stunning projects that push creative boundaries. Karen's talent and dedication have earned her a loyal following of fans and admirers, and she continues to inspire others with her unique vision and innovative approach to photography.
Karen's work has been described as cinematic, theatrical, and hauntingly beautiful, and it has gained recognition in the art world for its unique style. In addition to her artistic pursuits, Karen is also a mental health advocate and has been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety. She believes that art can be therapeutic and is passionate about using her work to raise awareness about mental health issues.
Karen also works with different mediums to enhance her photos, such as painting, sculpting, set building and costume design. She prides herself on using very little editing software, referencing her childhood in the 80s and marveling at the practical effects that she saw in movies. Her aesthetic combination of the past and the future has lead many to describe her imagery as "future-past".
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KJerzykPhoto
Karen minted Goofballs with Audio Galleries
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