karen urbanek
chocolatier + artist
my links between chocolate & art were forged many years ago when i began making truffles to serve at my art receptions, thinking it was an unobtrusive way to listen to comments about my work while offering fine chocolate.
of course i found that it was quite seldom the topic of conversation - but it set me on a path of exploration in chocolate, and consequently utilizing my storehouse of techniques in a new medium - natural colors and cocoa butter, with the added sparkle of mica - a natural mineral.
i am primarily self taught - always learning - with profound expectations and rising goals to expand my capabilities.
i am interested in making the finest chocolate possible with my edible palette of the freshest and most intriguing ingredients - local and sustainable wherever i can find them!
my background is quite varied, now firmly rooted in my work as an active artist. i continue to make art and exhibit when I can - in layered fiber pieces both sculptural and for the wall, drawings and encaustic paintings. this last media is the closest to working on chocolate: both are molten media that cool quickly. strokes go down fast as they solidify immediately. as in any art piece, multiple layers contribute depth and luminosity - put down, take away, add...
i choose natural colors. they keep me in touch with nature, a challenging but sustainable choice, the colors more subtle and complex than the synthetic palette, possessing innate harmony (all natural colors contain some amount of all 3 primary colors - most pleasing to the eye). i have been extraordinarily privileged to share my expertise in natural dyes and pigments with projects around the world, helping indigenous peoples rediscover natural colors and work to regain ascendancy over their economic destinies, often along the way restoring important cultural values.
involving other artists is important because so many contribute to my daily sensibilities. their stories are part of my story - and we all need to keep consumption at a practical level, so minimal, sustainable packaging is key.
be part of the story...send me your ideas, ask questions - the circle is open !
chocolatier + artist
my links between chocolate & art were forged many years ago when i began making truffles to serve at my art receptions, thinking it was an unobtrusive way to listen to comments about my work while offering fine chocolate.
of course i found that it was quite seldom the topic of conversation - but it set me on a path of exploration in chocolate, and consequently utilizing my storehouse of techniques in a new medium - natural colors and cocoa butter, with the added sparkle of mica - a natural mineral.
i am primarily self taught - always learning - with profound expectations and rising goals to expand my capabilities.
i am interested in making the finest chocolate possible with my edible palette of the freshest and most intriguing ingredients - local and sustainable wherever i can find them!
my background is quite varied, now firmly rooted in my work as an active artist. i continue to make art and exhibit when I can - in layered fiber pieces both sculptural and for the wall, drawings and encaustic paintings. this last media is the closest to working on chocolate: both are molten media that cool quickly. strokes go down fast as they solidify immediately. as in any art piece, multiple layers contribute depth and luminosity - put down, take away, add...
i choose natural colors. they keep me in touch with nature, a challenging but sustainable choice, the colors more subtle and complex than the synthetic palette, possessing innate harmony (all natural colors contain some amount of all 3 primary colors - most pleasing to the eye). i have been extraordinarily privileged to share my expertise in natural dyes and pigments with projects around the world, helping indigenous peoples rediscover natural colors and work to regain ascendancy over their economic destinies, often along the way restoring important cultural values.
involving other artists is important because so many contribute to my daily sensibilities. their stories are part of my story - and we all need to keep consumption at a practical level, so minimal, sustainable packaging is key.
be part of the story...send me your ideas, ask questions - the circle is open !