About Kawoni Studios

The Artists: Karen

Karen Erickson

I come from a land where the name "Erickson" takes up a good two dozen pages in the phone book. I was born and raised in the Twin Cities, or just The Cities to the locals. I was drawing on any available surface at an early age. My mother had to hide anything she didn't want scribbled on, books in particular. We went through sketchpads like underwear. After all those years I didn't realize I had any special skills until late into my high school years. To me drawing was normal and I had always thought everyone could.

My father had a sculpture reproduction factory for about six or seven years, three of which I worked full time. I learned about fiberglass and gelcoats and resin and rubber mold-making. It was an extremely unconventional first job for anyone, I imagine. I even applied my new-found skills to my classes. I sold a bust of a Chinese minister to my history teacher. I spent a good deal of my time in college drawing out of a Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual and acing my actual art classes. (I'll try not to break my arm as I pat myself on the back here.)

And then I moved to Las Vegas. I had to put a halt to most artwork, save the faux finished vases. I learned a lot about accounting. Easy but not so fun for me. While in Vegas I got my boys. Winston Lewis is my "first born son," a Siamese cat with way too much personality for his own good. If he had opposable thumbs, he'd be in and out and into even more trouble than he gets into as it is. Elton James is my rescue kitty. I think maybe he's a bit retarded, but a good boy who does what he's told. Except he pees standing up. I've never in all my years as a cat owner run into this. I've stumped vets and cat experts alike. They now have a custom-built litter box with 18" walls.

Finally, I am happily single and self-employed and loving all of it.