Meet Cara Harjes
The first time I saw Cara Harjes's artwork, displayed in Pajama Baking Company, I thought, "I want that painting for my daughter's room." My next thought was, "Wait. I want that painting for my room!" Cara's artwork, which is geared toward children, is both whimsical and sophisticated, playful and polished. Her paintings, prints, murals, and handmade growth charts offer bold splashes of color and bear a unique spark of inspiration. Check out our interview with Cara, in which she not only talks about her artwork, but also thoughtfully responds to how she balances being an artist and a mother.
How would you describe your artwork? Has becoming a mother transformed your work in any way?
My artwork is whimsical, very colorful, and messy! I believe life is both beautiful and imperfect, and that is definitely reflected in my work.
I make original paintings, prints of my work, growth charts, and murals for kids rooms! My works tends to fit best in kids rooms, but parents like it because it isn’t cutesy.
My work has shifted a great deal since becoming a momma. Having a kiddo around has helped me to embrace my identity as a children’s artist. I have to be a lot more focused with the spare time that I have to paint. I really have to make it count when I have time to paint, so I have really gotten serious about making sure that I love what I am doing. I have taken classes to hone my skills, so my work has definitely been transformed as I learn more. My style is more detailed and my technique has become more sophisticated. If I am going to spend time away from Addie to do something for myself, I want to be really proud of what I am doing. So I think my work has become better since having her. From a business standpoint, I am focusing on transforming my hobby into a career so that my daughter can look up to me as a woman who both cares for her family and has work that she is passionate about. It feels impossible to balance at times but it is really important to me.
We've seen your amazing paintings displayed at Pajama Baking Company. Where can we see your work displayed next?
Thank you! I have lots of goodies stocked in my easy shop online, http://www.etsy.com/shop/caraharjes, and folks are always welcome to call and set up an appointment to come over to my backyard studio to check out what I am currently doing, discuss commissions, or just have a cup of tea and chat about art, life, and parenthood! Or read a magazine and take a nap! I have a really comfy chair back there!
What new projects are you working on or planning?
My newest project is handmade growth charts. I have also chosen three favorites to have reproduced onto vinyl so that I can offer them at a lower price point! Originals can be customized with specific colors, content, and names and they cost $85. The reproductions are simply beautiful and cost $45. These are very special to me and I couldn’t be more excited to offer them! I am also doing more murals for nurseries and kids rooms these days! I love these projects and can’t wait to do more!
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How long have you been a resident of Platt Park, and how long have you been a parent?
I have lived in Platt Park since 2005 and love my neighborhood! I live on S. Pearl Street near Hansons, with my husband and daughter Addie, who is almost 2. We absolutely love the hustle and bustle of Pearl Street and wouldn’t change a thing about where we live!
