Artist Karen Sachs’s Journey of Creativity and Self Discovery
At the Women in Arts Network, we love conversations that go beyond the canvas and open a window into the life of an artist. In this interview, we sat down with contemporary painter Karen Sachs, whose journey into art began with a blank wall in her first apartment and has since grown into a lifelong exploration of color, mosaic, self discovery, and creative play.
Karen shares how an empty space pushed her to pick up a paintbrush for the very first time, how that simple act led her toward self discovery, and why colour continues to be her language for expressing emotions words can’t quite hold. She talks about what it feels like when her work starts to “click,” the balance she juggles between career, art, and community, and the practices she’s built to stay connected with creativity even on the busiest of days.
Through this conversation, we learn how art became a way for Karen to process experiences, connect with others, and find joy in unexpected places. She also offers encouragement for anyone starting their creative journey: to begin without waiting for perfection, to enjoy the process, and to allow space for experimentation.
This interview is an invitation to see how creativity and self discovery can grow out of ordinary moments and become a steady guide through life’s many seasons.
Karen Sachs is a contemporary artist whose work is a vibrant exploration of the soul, a journey of self-discovery, and a celebration of imagination. From the moment they first touched a paintbrush to canvas, their world transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, texture, and emotion. With a foundation rooted in the expressive power of colour, Karen creates art that speaks to the hidden corners of the human experience, the wisdom of animals, and the breathtaking beauty of life’s landscapes. Their artistic repertoire spans painting, glass mosaic, and oil pastels, each medium offering a unique way to connect with the world and reveal its truths.
1. How did you get started in your art career?
It all began with a blank wall and a blank canvas—both of which mirrored how I felt at the time: vulnerable, scared, and a little bit alone. I had just moved into my first apartment in my mid-30s, excited for the change but also grappling with the quiet emptiness of living alone. Above my queen-size sleeper couch was a wall that seemed to scream for attention, as if it were begging me to fill it with something meaningful. I searched high and low in art stores, but all I found were posters of celebrities that didn’t speak to me. Nothing felt worth the money or the space on my wall. A co-worker, tired of my complaints, suggested something that would change my life: “Why don’t you paint your own piece of art?”
The idea was so simple, yet it had never occurred to me. Could I create something myself? I was skeptical but intrigued. I bought a pre-stretched canvas, some paint, and brushes, and set out to try. I remember the day I started painting vividly. Two things weighed heavily on me: my sister’s insistence that I needed a plan for what to paint (which I didn’t have) and the sting of not landing a PA job on the movie Big with Tom Hanks. My emotions were swirling—anxiety, hurt, stress—but I decided to begin. At first, I thought I’d paint something simple, like hearts. But as soon as the brush touched the canvas, creativity took over. I splashed colors—blue, red, gold—and finished with a bold magenta heart. The painting, which I later called Love ENERGY, became a reflection of my emotions. As I painted, I moved through a spectrum of feelings: happiness, stress, sadness, and finally, joy. When I stepped back to look at the finished piece, I realized something profound: this wasn’t just a painting—it was me.
It was an expression of my inner world, a release of the drama and emotions I had been carrying. That moment changed my life. From then on, art became my tool for self-discovery and healing. It allowed me to express my true self in ways I never thought possible. Over time, I explored other media like glass mosaic and oil pastels, each offering new ways to connect with myself and the world. About three years after I started painting, I embarked on a journey of personal growth through workshops. These experiences weren’t always easy, but they helped me peel back the layers of self-doubt, drama, and old beliefs that had held me back. I painted through it all—through feelings of “not good enough” and “unlovable”—and in doing so, I found the lovable, beautiful version of myself. Art has been my constant companion on this journey. It’s not just something I do; it’s how I live, how I heal, and how I celebrate the fullness of life.
Don’t wait for perfection to start creating. Every moment you spend making something is a step toward discovering who you are.
Karen Sachs
2. When you’re creating something new, what makes you pause and say, This is working?
For me, it’s not about a specific moment or a perfect stroke—it’s about entering the zone. When I’m in that painting zone, something magical happens. It’s as if the world fades away, and my funk or overthinking no longer weighs me down. Instead, I’m fully present, playing with colour and letting my intuition guide me. I know it’s working when I feel a shift—when my hands are literally in the paint, smearing it onto the canvas, and I’m no longer just creating art; I’m being art. It’s a moment of pure connection, where positivity and creativity flow freely, and I feel completely myself. In that space, I’m not worried about whether it’s “good” or “right.” I’m simply letting the colours, textures, and emotions lead the way. That’s when I know I’ve tapped into something real, something that feels alive. That’s when I pause, smile, and think, This is working.
3. How do you balance your personal life with your art career?
For me, balance is less about perfection and more about creativity. It’s a bit of a juggling act—full-time job, art shows, exhibits, and my side business, Paint Your Essence, where I help others discover themselves through art. Some days, everything flows beautifully; other days, it’s a bit chaotic. But I’ve learned that as long as I infuse creativity into everything I do, I can find my balance. When COVID hit, I made a conscious decision not to let my mindset spiral.
I wanted to stay accountable to myself and my art, so I created Soul Expression. Once a month, I gather with other artist friends on Zoom for a few hours of creating—whatever that looks like for each of us. It’s become a fun, supportive community where we can paint, sketch, or even prep meals for the week. The key is that we’re making space for creativity, no matter what form it takes. This practice of weaving creativity into my daily life—whether it’s through art, connecting with others, or even working—helps me stay grounded. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Balance, for me, is about showing up for both my art and my life with intention and a little bit of playfulness.
4. How do you envision the future of your art and its impact on the world?
I see my art as a powerful tool for connection and transformation. Colour is my language—it draws out emotions, energy, and a sense of vibrancy that speaks to the soul. Through my work, I love creating space where vulnerability and self-expression are celebrated, where people can see themselves reflected in the colours and textures I bring to life. I hope that my art inspires others to embrace their true selves, to release what holds them back, and to find joy in their creative journeys. The future of my art is about more than just creating—it’s about building a world where authenticity and awesomeness shine through, one brushstroke at a time.
When I’m in that painting zone, it’s as if the world fades away and I’m no longer just creating art; I’m being art.
Karen Sachs
5. What mediums and techniques do you primarily work with?
I primarily work with acrylic painting, glass mosaic, and oil pastels. Each medium offers me a unique way to express myself—acrylics for their vibrant energy, glass mosaic for its intricate connections, and oil pastels for their rich, tactile quality. Together, they allow me to explore creativity in endless ways.
6. Do you have any parting words of wisdom for our readers or aspiring artists?
Yes—don’t wait for perfection to start creating. Art isn’t about getting it “right”; it’s about showing up, being vulnerable, and letting your true self shine through. Whether it’s your first brushstroke or your hundredth, trust the process and allow yourself to play. Remember, creativity is a journey, not a destination. Some days will feel magical, and others might feel like a struggle, but every moment you spend creating is a step toward discovering who you are. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to make a mess—because sometimes, the most beautiful things come from the chaos.
Karen Sachs’s work is about more than colour and form; it’s about connection, healing, and the courage to create without a script. Through her paintings, mosaics, and pastels, she invites us to see emotions, experiences, and even everyday life through a new lens.
From her first magenta heart on canvas to her ongoing exploration of materials, Karen’s journey shows us that creativity can be both a release and a guide. What we learn from her story is that art doesn’t have to begin with certainty—it begins with a willingness to start, to play, and to keep showing up.
To learn more about Karen, visit the links below.
