Interview
Kara Manza
Kara Manza’s passion is to paint joyful art. Her life of travel and adventure influences her use of vibrant pallets, expressive brushstrokes and a fanciful style. Kara believes that everyone deserves original art. She also wants to make her art accessible to all by creating prints and gifts from her pieces. All of Kara’s paintings are created with acrylic paint. At times, she incorporates stencils, oil pastels and collage. Kara has been featured in the magazines “Tarrytown Stroll” and “Artist Talk Magazine,” four times and has painted for Jo Malone London. She currently lives in Austin, Texas and is a daily painter with the support of her loving husband of 39 years, Bob. She is also a member of Good Shepard Episcopal Church. Her favorite quote is “Do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I completed my B.A and M.A. in Education from the University of Michigan. I taught kindergarten for four years before embarking on a life of travel and adventure. My family and I, which consists of my husband and two daughters, moved twelve times, including Michigan, Texas, Connecticut, California as well as expatriates in Spain, Canada and Mexico for a total of thirteen years. My husband and I have retired in Austin, Texas and have now welcomed two son-in-laws and a granddaughter into our family. I began painting daily upon retirement. My most influential art instructor and advocate is my father, Terry Henline. I have also studied at The Contemporary ATX and have taken courses with Kara Bullock, Sarah Sedgwick and Melanie Morris Art.”
What inspires you?
“I am inspired by the beauty which surrounds me, whether it is in my home, community or by spending time with family and friends. Thus, my passion is to paint joyful art, inspired by my family and life of travel. In small ways, I attempt to make a difficult world a more joyful place with my art as well as by being a buddy at the Helping Hand Home. I have also donated my work to the low income schools Mainspring and Hillside Early Childhood Center in Austin, TX as well as the National Kidney Foundation, the Kamukmu Learning Foundation supporting children in Uganda and JDRF to fight type 1 diabetes.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“In April 2024, I was featured in the art show "Splashing into Summer" at Art Direct in Austin, Texas. The show included over 30 original paintings. The summertime theme included beach, pool and nautical paintings as well as florals, butterflies and other summer images. These paintings reflected my love for waterways as I grew up in Michigan on Lake Huron and participated in a variety of water sports. I hope my exhibit enabled my supporters and collectors to experience joy in the warmth of the sun and in the majesty of the sea.”
How would you describe your work?
“My pieces are in acrylic paint and at times I use elements of mixed media.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am influenced by masters and local artists on a daily basis. The artist who influences me the most is my father, Terry Henline, who graduated from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. He is a retired automotive designer for General Motors and a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society. He instructs and critiques each of my paintings and is my greatest cheerleader! I was also inspired by the world of Frida Kahlo when I lived in Mexico. I have admired the works of Claude Monet and Edgar Degas since I was a child. Finally, I am inspired by the former President George Bush who also began painting upon his retirement. I figured that if George could do it, so could I!”
What is your creative process like?
“I spend a great deal of time observing the art of others, discerning their process and daydreaming about my painting goals. My creative well is deep and I feel like there is never enough hours in the day to complete all I desire. I have enjoyed dabbling in a large variety of subject matter. Recently, I have decided to refine my areas of study into timeframes so I can grow in one subject before moving onto the next. Currently, I am concentrating on still life and look forward to upcoming classes with Sarah Sedwick.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“Artists impact the viewers imagination and psyche. Children begin experiencing art at a young age as they explore the world around them and when they are exposed to picture books. Art can be political and used for therapeutic purposes. I try to produce art that takes observers to a positive place, giving them hope and inspiration.”
Website: www.karamanzaart.com
Instagram: @karamanzaart
