Ever since her beautiful, hand-cut backdrop graced Ashley & Greg's wedding, we have had a total crush on Karina Puente. Her work is unique, delicate and stunning. We were so excited to get the inside scoop behind this artist.
How do you continually stay inspired and creative?
My creativity and inspiration hinges on self-care. I am my best when I am rejuvenated and centered. I then ask myself questions such as: what epic artwork do I want to see in the world? What excites my inner child? I subscribe to the notion that the inner child is our highest creative power. I make my studio space colorful, fun and full of treats; pleasing and welcoming.
Is there anything special or unique about your morning routine?
Gratitude and tea. For the month of May, I am a Women's International Study Center (WISC) Fellow-In-Residence. During this residency, I am sharing a Santa Fe historic home with the chief curator of the Tucson Museum of Art, Julie Sasse. We enjoy early morning walks, discuss contemporary Latinx artists, and explore.
If someone wanted to break into your industry, what advice would you give them?
I am a visual artist working adjacent to the event and wedding world. My advice for artists looking to break into a new industry is to identify the needs or a space within the industry that can be improved. If an artist can make her work fit that need, photograph it and release it into the world, she will attract the right people.
Did you always know this career path was ‘the one’?
I always knew that I wanted to help people and that I love making art. Over the past few years, I have fortified my art making practice into a business as a way to help others. My commissioned artwork makes people feel confident in their brand or proud of their event. My personal artwork amplifies visibility for Latinx artists and people of color in the art world. Both art processes are equally satisfying.
What season inspires you most?
An east coast winter.
Do you have any funny short stories or embarrassing moments from when you first got started?
Amber Moon Design and I often collaborate and are committed to helping our friends get the perfect photo. A few years back, we crawled hands and knees on the floor of a 400-year-old hacienda in Mexico, fanning smoke, all so Jose Villa could nail his moody and atmospheric shot!
What is the best advice you have been given?
Do one income producing action daily.
What is your dream project?
To gather mermaid stories from women around the world and paint a mermaid mural as a reminder that we are brave and magical.
If there was a song that played every time you worked on your craft, what would it be?
"Caught a Light Sneeze" by Tori Amos.
Is there anything in particular you are obsessed with these days?
Haute Couture and Netflix. I am currently watching "A Different World" for the first time even though it was popular in the early 90's. The storyline is set against a fictional, historic black college inspired by student life at Howard University. I appreciate how the show addresses topics like race, gender, and equality.
What would you do if you had $40,900 for a vacation?
I would tell my mom to take three months off of work and get ready to spend the summer in Maui with me!
Short Biography
Karina Puente is a Mexican-American artist of fine art paintings, charcoal drawings, and modern
Papel Picado installations. Her internationally-recognized work is infused with luminosity and
cultural heritage. Her work has been exhibited in national galleries and institutions such as Miami
MoCA and the Corcoran National Gallery.
xoxo
Suzanne, Mike and the Wanderers
