We recently connected with Karen Gehres and have shared our conversation below.
Karen, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
I don’t know exactly. I do know that my parents taught us to have the integrity to follow through on what you start. My parents are the most honest and hard-working people I know. They are just good people with no agenda.
I remember, from a very early age, the feeling of not being satisfied until whatever I wanted was finished or attained. It’s like a restless feeling that is constant until I reach the goal.
So I think the self-discipline calms this anxiety and also gives a relief when I cross any finish line. It also never really ends because there is always the next goalpost.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I have been a film/tv Field Producer for 25 years. I love the work, especially interviewing the people who help create the shows we love.
During Covid, when all film and television production stopped, I began painting again. It really was such a blessing. Since then, I’ve been in a bunch of group shows, sold many of my paintings and have been getting commissions.
My work focuses on my great love affair with NYC. It has been an endless source of energy, meaning and inspiration since I first laid eyes on it. I concentrate on the essence of this great city thru its buildings, details, skylines, atmospheres and anything that feels to me like the soul of the city.
A group show is in the works for winter 2026 in Chelsea.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Perseverance, discipline and introspection. These pillars have gotten me through many difficulties and challenges.
I think the perseverance goes back to the self-discipline. They go hand-and-hand. Nothing can be achieved without the perseverance to get through hard times. It’s wanting to quit but pressing on anyway.
Whatever craft, skill or career goal I set for myself, I had to have discipline to do the work that would get me to the level I wanted to achieve. I think many want the prize without doing the grunge work first. That takes discipline and a big heaping of humility.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents encouraged my creativity all my life. They just wanted all their daughters to be happy. They were quite modern thinking when we were young because they never pressured us to get married or have children. They did everything to give us a happy childhood and worked so hard to send us all to college. It was so important that we get a college education, something they didn’t experience. They allowed me to live my dream of going to school in NYC and even a year in Paris.
They let me fly the nest with their love and encouragement that gave me strong wings.
The greatest impact is their constant and pure love. I have been blessed to know it every day of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.karengehresnyc.com
- Instagram: @karengehresnyc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karengehres/
Image Credits
Karen Gehres
Phil Penman
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
