Meet the Artists SEVERAL LOCAL ARTISTS SHARE THE STORIES BEHIND THEIR PASSIONS By James Houck Throughout the year, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and What’s Up? Media have partnered to bring forth quarterly exhibitions of local artists’ works—painting and photography chief among many mediums. These exhibitions have served as a springboard to promote the arts in our county and the artistic souls within each of us. Not surprisingly, as the exhibitions have gained attention, so too have the number of contributing artists who submit their works of art for jurying. And we are fortunate to have been introduced to many artists that live and work in our communities. Two of last year’s exhibition themes, “Bright Colors of Spring” and “Artists’ Favorites,” were popular and produced amazing entries. The Best in Show honorees from each of these two exhibitions—Carolyn Councell, Christalene Karaiskakis, Sunhee Kim Jung, and Andree Tullier—have shared their inspirations, approach, and advice in the following Q&A.
Gabriel by Andree Tullier
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What’s Up? Annapolis | February 2020 | whatsupmag.com
WHAT’S UP? MEDIA: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE ART AS A VOCATION? Carolyn Councell: Exposure to museums, schools, environment, and encouragement from family, friends, teachers, and scholarships from MICA. Christalene Karaiskakis: Art is simply a way of expressing myself. Connecting my soul with canvas. I consider my artwork like a crystal. It will pick you. You will know if it belongs to you or if it resonates with you. You’ll feel the energy I’ve invested while creating it. Sunhee Kim Jung: I was born in Seoul Korea. I was 22 when I came to the U.S. with very little English skills. It’s still challenging. I went to Catholic University for first three years. I met Professor John Winslow as my painting and drawing professor, and Prof. Tom Nakashima as my 2-D design professor. They are well known D.C. artists and both recognized my talent. Prof. Winslow introduced Corcoran College of Art to me. I even got invited to Prof. Nakashima’s Christmas party at his house. I was insecure but persevered. And I enjoyed the art cours-
es. When I was painting or drawing, I didn’t have to worry about any mistakes, I didn’t have to worry about grammar or misusing words. All of my artworks are an expression of my feelings since English is a second language for me. Communication through my paintings and other artwork became very desirable. Andree Tullier: After many years in the graphic design field, I decided to pursue my love of fine art and focus on the portrait and figure. WHO WERE YOUR EARLIEST ARTISTIC INFLUENCES AND WHO ARE CONTEMPORARY INSPIRATIONS TODAY? CC: Childhood classes at the Baltimore Museum of Art and The Maryland Institute of Art. I was also influenced by artists such as Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, and Andrew Wyeth, among others. Some of the contemporary influences are Chuck Close, Willard Bond, Charles Reid, Skip Lawrence, Shirley Travena, and many others. CK: My earliest influences have been my surroundings, my experiences, travels, peo-
