We had the good fortune of connecting with Karen Payton and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Karen, what’s the most important think you’ve done for your children?
When my children were young I dedicated everything to their well being. I struggled with infertility so it was an enormous blessing to be a mother. I was constantly reading parenting books, making sure they ate healthy food, went to interesting places and had all the love and guidance my tired being could muster. Along the way I kinda forgot to take care of myself. Once they got a bit older, I started to shift and learned how to take time to meditate, make art, change jobs, hang out with new friends, listen to music and go out dancing. They see that we are all fluid and can change and flow and follow our hearts.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
You know that feeling when you are listening to live music, dancing, letting yourself be f r e e and connected all at the same time? Well that’s kinda how my art started. I create hippie art out of fabric for grateful and groovy folks. Just like the counter culture movement of the Sixties, my art promotes peace and love. Bringing colorful textiles into your home while reminding you of the free spirit within your soul. I was a young teenager when I started going to Grateful Dead concerts. The music, the tie-dyes and the culture all influenced my decision to study Textiles in college. I take old jeans, bedsheets and other textiles and then dye and decorate them with textile paint and colored pencils. Everything gets stitched together and wrapped onto a canvas frame.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could not have relaunched my art career without the guidance of Cory Huff from the Abundant Artist. His book, his mentorship, online support groups and webinars have been a guiding light to me.
Website: www.karenpayton.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenpaytonart/
Twitter: @karenpaytonart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenPaytonArt/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW0BYaxw0F6DYvUUbnZzi-Q?
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/karenpaytonart
Nominate someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.