Meet Karina Roberts | Artist & Child Rights Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Karina Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Karina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought was just going for it, it did not start out as a business venture , it was a hobby that turned out to be more than what i could have imagined. I started out with just painting and eventually invested a little bit more into creating different merchandise that led to owning a brand. I also took the time to ask questions and honest opinions from those that already own successful businesses, One piece of advice that almost all of them told me was to stay consistent, we can always keep learning we can always do better.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a watercolor painter, it is my preferred medium to work with, i paint fantasy art . However I recently decided to merge my passion for art with my passion for advocacy. Apart from art I am currently on a journey of pursuing law school. I participate in a lot of community events that are hosted by C.A.S.A , OFY (Options for youth) and work with non-profits who help victims of domestic abuse. I provide free art workshops for the children that are attending, I get to listen to their hopes and dreams and they tell me of who they want to be when they grow up, Every conversation had matters and it helps me stay focused and be more grateful . Their reactions when i tell them they can be an artist ,they can be an engineer or a ballerina is priceless. They need to be heard and know that they are being heard. This is the best part of being an artist, is giving back. I also started doing portraits of children who lost their voice to abuse it is my way to honor them and bring comfort to their loved ones. I am the most proud of these events, and having the privilege to stand with the families on their fight for justice. I learned that art brings healing and creates community. I learned that as artist we can help bring change and make a difference .The journey was long to get here, to be who i am today, if someone would have told me just a few years back this would be my life i probably would have brushed them off. All it took was someone giving me an opportunity, i thank the Oceanside community for that , they gave me a space and a platform when i had no idea what i was doing. I learned from every artist i came across and everything just aligned from there. I love what i do , i think everyone if able too should get involved in their community, Their is power in unity and we can all advocate for children who need it, a voice for the voiceless.
“Dont look away when you can make a difference”-unknown

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For lunch i love poke sunshine but for dinner my favorite is Mission Avenue they have a salad that i absolutely love . I would also go check out the pier, there’s a funnel cake stand that I love and we can hang out at the beach for a while. I also would suggest coffee from Pier view, there’s a vegan sandwich place that is on the artist alley.My next go to spot is visiting the IKIGAI Artifacts co. Shop , it is so colorful and has many unique art pieces inside, along with some beautiful jewelry as well. I enjoy painting in front of the shop and just hanging out. There’s an ice cream place that my kids love you can get a cone shaped like a fish! it makes it more exciting , i believe its called “Fugu Ice cream & Taiyaki”. Checking out the city in general is fun because there is beautiful Murals everywhere.

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 would like to shout out Quantal Langford he has been a big part of my support system, amazing creator and coach! i would also like to shout out Satoru Yamaki owner of Ikigai Artifacts co. He gave my art a place and is a great friend . These 2 men are pillars to the art community.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/seaadream

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaadream/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krobrtsart/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cza0YbQQFgo&t=1978s

Other: https://www.oceansideartwalk.org/artists/karinaroberts

Image Credits
Tina Chiou Photography