Check Out Karen Nazario Moranchel’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Nazario Moranchel. 

Hi Karen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Well, it all started when I was born on April 10, 1998, in a small town – Phoenix, AZ. Alright, but in all seriousness – I enjoyed art as a young child but never really thought much of it until the end of high school. I took art as an elective for three years; during those years, I conducted some research on artists who inspired me, I tried using different kinds of media and had small exhibitions. I spent so much time making art and falling in love with it, yet I overlooked it.

I got to college and had a wild time figuring out what I wanted to study. It started with journalism, to art studies, to art education, to drawing, to finally settle with printmaking.

It’s kind of funny. I was doing printmaking-based work in high school and my first year of college but didn’t even know it till I got into a printmaking class the final semester of my sophomore year. I thought, “wow Karen, you frigging dork.”

Today I find myself making artwork for bands or any folk who commission me. I have also been actively looking for ways to grow within the art community! I actually just landed an internship at SMoCA. I am hoping that my skills for planning, development, design, and installation of exhibitions improve.

Young Karen would be shaken by the jobs, internships, and artwork I’ve made. I would like to think my younger self would be proud of where I am right now.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road huh? I’ve had my ups and downs for sure.

I struggled to find out what I wanted to concentrate my work on. I usually like to tell stories. Telling stories forges connections amongst people – they have the power to influence, teach, and inspire. Ultimately, I want to be able to help elevate and recognize voices that are not represented often, especially those of immigrants.

Another thing I found difficult was finding my worth.

Growing up in a Mexican household and having two immigrant parents, you want nothing more than to make them proud. When I told my parents I was pursuing a bachelor’s in art they were incredibly disappointed. I understood their concern and frustration. Art isn’t entirely a secure job like that of engineering or nursing. Though, to be honest, I’m not entirely sure my happiness would rely on how much money I make or where I live. I believe my happiness would depend on the fact that I am content with what I am doing with my life…if I am making a difference, learning, and growing in some way.

Let me be real, I almost decided to pursue a career in Art Conservation after finishing my BFA. I told myself by saying that was the closest thing to art I could come to. Of course, it wasn’t. In my heart, I wanted to go after an MFA in Printmaking, but I was afraid. I kept telling myself I wasn’t good enough or capable of doing it. After realizing how much my work has grown, I came to a consensus that I was good and capable. There are still so many things I wish to achieve and can do, that I will do.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in drawing. Whether that be through a pencil on paper or an etching needle on copper.

I am known for having a graphic quality with smooth values and a sketch-like quality.

Truly, I am most proud of my ability to create some fun compositions. I think having a strong composition can allow for the viewer to move across the artwork and take everything in, to see the main subject along with what is around.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I don’t know if it’s possible to include this somehow… but I want to work closer to the community… I am interested in receiving stories from undocumented folks. Especially Mexican immigrants. If anyone reading this article knows of someone or is an undocumented person, may you kindly reach out? I would like to collab on a project with the said person if possible.

Contact Info:

• Email: nazariok117@gmail.com
• Website: https://nmportfol.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurr3n/?hl=en