Meet Casey Klein: Artist

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

Hi Casey, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Happiness comes in all different forms but choosing me for the first time has been my biggest joy. It took me ten years to realize that painting could be more than just a hobby. I lived inside tight parameters, pretending to be satisfied and content, only allotting small amounts of time to explore my creative desires. Finally, taking a leap of faith, I decided that my happiness could only evolve if I dedicated time and patience to nurture my dreams to become a full-time painter. Now I have the pleasure of not only creating new pieces daily, but I’m also granted the privilege of working alongside talented designers, placing my work in spaces that only enhance my work more.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a self-taught artist, I’ve spent a lot of time honing in on my artistic identity. Over the years, my work has progressively become more aligned with my ideal style. I am an abstract painter. I apply pigments on paper to reflect an emotion and leave my viewers to an open-ended discussion. My work stems from dreams, poetry, nature, and landscapes. Color selection is the pivotal component of my work’s identity. Organic lines, curves, and imperfections construct each piece’s topography, representing various sentiments, people, and places. Artistically, my lessons are many and continue to come to light, but I have learned to lean in, trust myself and keep experimenting. Progress can only come by showing up to do the work and keeping an open mind. Translating the voice of my work was not an easy road, nor did it happen quickly. I worked as a personal assistant to a painter, and after work, I’d rush over to my studio painting until late at night. Not only did I have limited time to focus on my work, but I had little energy to create. I believed financial security was more beneficial to my well-being, and it was the catalyst in living my artistic career. Amid the global pandemic, like many others, I found myself without a job. Becoming used to life’s uncertainty, I decided it was time to live my dream as a full-time artist. My work was received quicker than expected, and the reward in making my dreams a reality has given me exceptional freedom, as well as financial and mental stability. I challenge others to do whatever it is in making their dreams a reality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
A perfect day would start with coffee from Eightfold and Swedish cinnamon rolls from Clark Street Bakery. We would take a short walk over to the Silverlake flea market for vintage goods. Order take out from Joy in Highland Park and then head over to Huntington Library for a picnic near the rose gardens. Cacio Pepe from Osteria La Buca for dinner, followed by a concert at the El Rey Theatre. Finally, ending the night with cocktails from The Black Cat. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I owe the majority of my success to my best friend and wife, Avery. Avery is the perfect example of someone who is driven, determined and self-motivated. There is no obstacle formidable enough to make her stop pursuing her dreams. Her tenacity and the ability to push boundaries has shaped me into the artist I am today. I’ve taken risks, learned patience, and gained confidence from her constant support.

Website: https://www.caseyrklein.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseyrklein/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Casey-R-Klein-100365564985135

Image Credits
All photos credited to photographer Avery J Klein