Interview
Karine Deschênes
Karine Deschênes comes from the Charlevoix region of Quebec. She has a college diploma in graphic design.
Karine has been painting for over 20 years, and during that time, she has acquired various different techniques and styles. Over time, she has found her signature and her style.
Karine's artistic approach is inspired by fashion, social media, society and facial expressions.
Currently, Karine is self-employed and offers her services as a graphic designer and illustrator.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have always had a passion for drawing and painting. Between the ages of 8 to 14, I took watercolor, acrylic and oil painting lessons.
By studying fashion design for 1 year, I acquired knowledge and developed an interest that still accompanies me today. During my studies in graphic design, I discovered my passion for the field of publishing and illustration. I like to integrate illustrations when the project lends itself to it.”
What inspires you?
“The reality of daily life, such as society, fashion, the beach, social media and art, greatly inspires me. Also, my illustrations often represent female characters of different ethnicities, which often express an emotion or imagination.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Pop culture! Taking an everyday object and creating a surrealist work. A personalized and current interpretation of a known artistic work, reinvented in the image of today's society, while respecting the same color palette, by mixing elements of daily life of the moment: cell phones, social media and the like.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The illustrations of female characters by Bijou Carmen have a lot of influence on my work. I love her drawing style, her technique and the physiognomy of her characters. Several of these characters are surrounded by a white outline, which puts them even more forward and brings out the colorful palette.”
“My art is both vintage and cartoonist, where style, femininity and humor confront and harmonize. A very colorful and vibrant color palette. Some artistic movements such as Realism, Art Nouveau and Pop art inspire my art.”
What is your creative process like?
“I always start by brainstorming to come up with ideas for objects or subjects that interest me. Afterwards, I try to find a concept. I take the time to analyze and make a connection. Also, I like to look at photos and my surroundings for inspiration. When it’s time to create, I always start with a hand sketch. Thereafter, I rework my sketch using Photoshop on my graphic tablet.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“I don't have a favorite work of art per se, but I do have a favorite painter: Frida Kahlo. Her style is feminist, symbolizing significant events in her life. Each work has a story to tell. It incorporates elements of Mexican folklore, such as flowers and skulls. I love that her art is colorful and exotic. And I love the use of the heart in these works, because it gives impact and leads to reflection.”
