Roman Karas

Originally from Ukraine, Roman began making art at the age of 3, before walking and talking. Roman's art caught the eye of others when he was 10. Roman had his first art group show named "SOVIART" in Switzerland. This was the first time artists from the former Soviet Union were introduced to Western viewers. At the age of 11, Roman began making mini paintings on found cardboard and random household objects, which were purchased by private collectors in Europe. Roman's family has traveled to various cities in Europe, exposing him to various cultures and traditions. At the age of 13, Roman's family had a 6-month layover in Rome, Italy, where Roman was invited by a group of Italian artists to share an art studio with them in Piazza Navona,

After landing in the Midwest in the early 90's, Roman continued his passion for art, with numerous solo shows at art galleries in WI and IL. After graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design, Roman has settled down in Brooklyn, NY in the late 97'. His first children's book, "Mural on Second Avenue," was published by Candlewick Press, and his handmade printed books can be found in bookstores and private collections across the US. He has created numerous illustrated images for local and national editorial media, as well as making life size art murals with children in New York City. He is currently working on a woodcut series, as well as experimenting with mixed media, and planning out his new children's book.

ARTIST STATEMENT
My work is inspired by many elements, such as nature, music, life experiences, and the objects around me. Just like the weather, my ideas fluctuate. They start out in my head, where they keep evolving for many months. Some are translated into an art form and some simply vanish. Art to me is like an unspoken language to communicate with a viewer and to provide a silent dialogue, thoughts, feelings and emotions. Just as cuneiforms were used in ancient Mesopotamia, my painted and printed forms communicate with the viewer. My biggest artist inspirations are Antonio Frasconi, an Italian-born artist and the art of Art Deco. I hope my art can be a healing tool, and bring peace to people’s homes. My favorite phrase, the message I like to instill in my works, is "Semper ad maliora". In Latin, it stands "For better things to come."