We recently had the chance to connect with Karen Chan and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Karen, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I probably wouldn’t hire myself, not because I lack skills, but because I’m built to build my own dreams. I’m resourceful, hardworking, visionary, and full of passion. A typical hiree works within the frame of a job description, but that doesn’t fit me very well. I’m constantly expanding my vision, my knowledge, and my ability to execute above and beyond the role. I thrive when I’m creating my own path and shaping my own vision. That’s why I became an entrepreneur. Ultimately, my goal is to create something bigger, a platform where I can help others solve problems and build their own dreams alongside mine.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Karen Chan, an oil painter and teaching artist. My journey in art began about 16 years ago, teaching children in libraries and homeschool programs. While teaching, I also took lessons in oil painting to hone my skills in fine art, and during the pandemic, I pivoted to focus on painting full-time. What started as a personal passion grew into creating original paintings, teaching adults, and developing art kits and online lessons so anyone can explore painting at their own pace.
My mission is to show that anyone can create. You don’t need prior talent to enjoy and succeed in painting. Whether you’re looking to commission a custom piece, host a private or corporate workshop, or learn to paint for the first time, I’m here to make the process fun, inspiring, and accessible. You can view my artwork or book a class through my website @www.karenchanart.com
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is being a mother to my three children. Before having them, my sense of purpose was largely self-focused. Even when I served others, it was often about how it reflected on me, or about proving myself through achievements. After having my children, I began to see that my life matters not only for myself, but for them. Their happiness and the quality of their lives depend in many ways on how I show up for them.
Even now, as adults embarking on their own lives, the bond I share with them continues to shape me. Every conversation, every interaction, mirrors a part of myself back to me, helping me grow emotionally, intellectually, and creatively. Parenting has been the most character-building assignment of my life, teaching me love, selflessness, and the importance of living beyond my own needs. I’ve learned that we exist not merely to serve ourselves, but to build a better future; and changing the world often begins with nurturing the people closest to us.”
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: you don’t need to crave approval or affirmation from people who don’t truly see or know you , even those who feel close. I love the song by MercyMe, Dear Younger Me, which reminds us that the choices we make shape are the choices that make who we become. I would tell myself to listen to that still, small voice inside — to trust that I am created for something meaningful, and that my worth is not defined by other people’s approval. Believing that earlier would have given me so much peace and courage to follow my own path.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie in the art industry is that only talented people can be artists: and that artists must starve or live in chaos to be authentic. Another common misconception is that art is simply a creative outlet, when in truth, it is a profound form of education and discipline.
Art demands much more than inspiration. You must understand color, light, value, and composition. On top, one must also learn the history, revolution, and the masters who came before us. To truly grow as an artist, you can benefit by studying their lives and the messages behind their work, because every brushstroke is connected to a larger story of humanity.
Art is more than what we see on the surface. It takes hard work, it demands great effort mentally, emotionally, and physically; and it takes continuous education, mentorship, and endurance. Art shapes how we live, move, and feel. Without art, the world would lose its depth, its story, and its soul.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had ten years left, the first thing I would do is stop spending time on things that don’t really matter. The distractions, the things that pull me away from what’s truly important. Inspired by the book Halftime by Bob Buford, I think of life like a football game: the second half is where focus really counts. You can make mistakes in the first half, but in the second half, every choice and habit matters.
So I would stop letting mindless routines or non-essential obligations take up my energy. Instead, I’d pour myself into daily habits that shape who I am becoming,habits that reflect my faith, my family, and my personal growth. I’d continue being a loving, present mom to my three children, a loyal wife, and a caring daughter in my immediate community.
I would also stop neglecting my health and strength, and instead prioritize working out and staying active so I can be my best self physically. Professionally, I would stop holding back from growth and exposure, and instead keep learning, honing my skills, and putting my work out into the world.
Ultimately, I’d stop living passively and start living intentionally, focusing on the people I love, my faith, my health, and my craft, so that these next ten years could truly be a season of growth, gratitude, and personal renaissance.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karenchanart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenchanart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-chan-93ba06324/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenchanart
