My name is Kara Artman, born and raised in the small town of Streator, Illinois; once the, “Glass Manufacturing Capital of the World”. By my time however, this claim to fame was but a sun washed, rusty sign. My creative endeavors began at an early age whilst helping my mother and grandparents with their various craft projects. To further my artistic dreams I attended the The School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago and upon graduation, moved to South Carolina where I have resided since.
Trifle: a thing of little or no importance. Most regard the detritus of the past in this way, I work in opposition to the notion; believing there to be a story in that which we leave behind.
My maternal grandparents treasured most curios they crossed paths with. A dresser in the spare room, seemed to contain every letter they received, as well as crackerjack prizes, harmonicas, yo-yo's, baseball cards and the occasional dirty joke. The shelves and display cabinets were filled with my grandmothers long empty Avon bottles, rocks from distant places, and not to be touched carnival glass.
I to am a collector of trifles, a chiffonier if you will, as such my work is filled with trinkets and curiosity. I surround myself with the ephemera of our fore bearers, saturating my thoughts in layers of history and the work of human hands. This has led to a multitude of artistic visions, utilizing mass produced, post consumer product as a primary material. Engaging diligent research as the foundation of my working practice, my art embraces the realm of the trifle and the story of which they tell.