Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Y. Buster.
Hi Karen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I originally started my teeshirt business in New Orleans, Louisiana while at Dillard University. in 1978. I printed greek teeshirts in the dorm attic. I would drive back and forth yearly to sell at the “Freeknic” in Philadelphia. My company was named “Bustertizin”. After graduating and living in New Orleans for 10 years, I relocated back to Baltimore as a care giver of my grandmother diagnosed with brain cancer. I continued to print tees in the basement. After my grand passed, I applied for an SBA loan to purchase printing equipment and open a studio. I ended up on Franklintown Rd for 10 years. I designed and printed custom teeshirts for families, churches and businesses throughout the city. I also designed the Neighborhood Clean Block winners for the Afro Newspaper. I have moved to 4 locations throughout Baltimore as a textile printer. I have converted my gift into printing fine art works shared throughout the country with renowned Artist Larry Poncho Brown. I most recently have a coffee table book entitle “Juxtaposition” written about my 44 year career as an artist and the journey taken to get here. I have several major celebrities as collectors of my work and it has appeared in movies such as “Coming To America II” and “Halloween”. I am most proud of the amount of everyday collectors that have allowed my works to adorn the walls in their home. I see that as a blessing to be in their personal “spiritual temples!”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not just been a “smooth” road, but the obstacles have empowered me as an artist. In 1980 I had an heart attack due to stress. Understanding how “demand exceeded supply” and the direction needed to keep up with production. Knowing that my parents cosigned with me for a $50,000 loan and the pressure I placed on myself to make sure it was repaid on time. Stepping out on faith to open a kiosk in Security Square Mall. That was an eye opening experience trying to run the kiosk,, manage a manufactory and the responsibly of having paid employees, Embracing my 1st visit to West Africa understanding the treasures I hold as an artist. I was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult and learning to embrace it as my super power. Navigating through the Covid 19 pandemic and maintaining a viable business. Reminding myself that this is a path that I chose, and had to find ways to keep pressing forward. All in all it was the challenges and obstacles that have strengthen and keeps me pressing forward.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have unique and creative style with my work. I am known most for my black and white imagery. I design my artwork by drawing with an X-acto knife.I cut my designs into rubylith film creating negatives or stencils by hand. I have the ability to see negatives in my head. That ability lies dormant in the back of my mind but comes to the forefront of my brain when looking at everyday images. It is as if I eliminate color and just see the skeleton form in black and white. It allows me to really examine lines of an image and not the color.I see my eyes almost as an x-ray machine that can look pass the surface and go into the details of how it all comes together. Being a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated has allow my work to reach over 300,000 women. It has served as a major platform to introduce my style of work to as well.
I am must proud of my coffee table art book, “Juxtaposition” which tells my art journey. Considering reading was such a difficult thing for me to focus on growing up, writing a book of my thoughts is unbelievable at times for me. Being able to have assistance with my weaknesses and it end up so powerful. What sets me apart from others is my unique style of creating.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I really don’t have any favorites. I do believe in reaching out to my colleagues and past mentors for information and guidance throughout my art career. I think knowledge is power and the common understating of how we as “artists” think can happen with unspoken words. I often speak to the some of the masters in the business for continue direction in exchanging ideas and thoughts. I also reach back to the emerging artist with my foot steps. To date, it’s the younger artists that can breathe life into my ways of thinking when it comes to reaching new collectors of the generation down.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karenybuster.com
- Facebook: https://facebook.com-karen-y-buster
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@karenbuster44
