Art has the power to transform not only spaces, but the people who engage with it. For California-based Karen Chen, creativity has been a guiding force throughout her life, shaping the way she understands herself and the world around her. Sunshine Studios is the result of that lifelong relationship with art, a creative practice rooted in joy, intention, and the belief that making something with your hands can change the way you feel.
For Karen, art has always been present. From a young age, she developed a deep passion for creation, mixed media, and visual storytelling. Over time, that passion became a practice, and eventually, a calling. Sunshine Studios emerge
d as a place where that lifelong relationship with art could live, grow, and be shared with others.
Karen’s journey into art was not linear. After graduating from the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, she made the intentional decision to pursue her dream of creating and designing. Rather than seeing business and art as opposing forces, Karen brings them together, building a creative practice that is both thoughtful and sustainable.
Today, she is the author of seventeen published coloring books and a muralist whose work spans both local and international spaces. Each project reflects her belief that creativity is not reserved for special occasions, but something meant to be practiced daily.
Art That Invites Participation
At the heart of Sunshine Studios is an invitation. Karents paper products, ranging from five to thirteen dollars, are designed to be accessible and approachable. Her coloring books and illustrated pieces encourage people to slow down, engage with their hands and reconnect with their own creativity.
Rather than positioning art as something to be observed from a distance, Sunshine Studios centers participation. It is about the process, the quiet moments of focus, and the joy that comes from creating something for yourself.
Rewriting the Script Through Art
Karen describes art as something that has rewritten the script of her life. It is her passion, and her greatest pleasure is sharing creativity through her daily work. That philosophy is present in every piece Sunshine Studios offers. Each illustration, page, and mural carries the intention of bringing light, warmth, and a sense of possibility into everyday spaces.
Much like the creatives uplifted by Kurated Kultura, Karen's work shows how identity and creativity are deeply intertwined. Art becomes a language for self-expression, resilience, and connection.
A Studio Rooted in Care and Creativity
Sunshine Studios is a reminder that creativity does not have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes, it looks like a coloring book on a quiet afternoon or a mural that transforms a shared space. These small moments of engagement are what make art feel alive and personal.
At Kurated Kultura, we are proud to spotlight Sunshine Studios and Karens Chen's work. Her Journey is a testament to the power of choosing creativity, trusting the process, and sharing joy through art that invites everyone.
Written by Jomayra Carchi
