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

Hi Karin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance has been tricky but essential since I have been a college art professor for 40 years and a professional artist as well. I began to exhibit in 1975! Maintaining a studio practice has been vital and goes without question in my daily life. My passion is art, my dedication to teaching has been in art, and my well-being involves constant attention to creativity. Now that I am no longer teaching but involved in a community arts center in the Joshua Tree area as the gallery director, that balance comes into play once more.

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.
I am proud that I have devoted my life to making art. Operating outside the conventional at times, moving through a variety of media, I make art that reflects my journey through life. Environment changes, situations change. My “brand” is a constant interpretation of those changes. But the work involves color, light, and a narrative that is a constant thread throughout.

It was not always easy, but I learned to carve a space for myself, both physical and emotional, and continue no matter what. I hope that other artists who doubt themselves or find the path difficult remember to just keep going! Our job is to bring creativity forward into the world, because to create is a magical and important thing.

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?
Since I live in the high desert, a tour of the Joshua Tree National Park would be in order, followed by a meal at one of the established local restaurants. There are several new places as well that are now in nearby Yucca Valley. My studio is in Joshua Tree, so that would be a must, and there are fun shops and curious places to browse in JT. Then the Noah Purifoy Desert Museum, a full desert experience. So many places to hike and relax, the outdoors is the main focus here! A trip “down the hill” to the Palm Springs Art Museum, the Artists Council at the Galen Center in Palm Desert, interspersed with meals chosen from the many varieties of restaurants in that area. Art and food and Mother Nature!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My graduate school mentor, Roland Reiss, was the person who steered me in the right direction with my artwork with encouragement and grace. He was always confident in me and my creative efforts. We communicated throughout the years, and his positive input kept me fueled. Roland taught and made art, also balancing that tightrope. When I had a retrospective in 2015, he visited the exhibit and spent a lot of time viewing all the work I had accomplished. Roland’s comments meant as much to me then as they had many years ago.

Website: karinskiba.com

Instagram: #karinskibaart

Facebook: karin M Skiba

Image Credits
photo by the artist

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