I was introduced to a great source for artwork by a friend and I fell head over heals.  The artist is   Caia Koopman.  I STILL don’t own a piece of her work but I will soon remedy that.   I’m really drawn to Pop Surrealism and sometimes I’m also repelled.  But either way, I react when I see it.   One thing I enjoy about this genre of art is the whimsical and exaggerated features of the feminine face that make the subjects seem childlike and naive. And yet, at the same time, they’re seductive, thoughtful, tormented and bad@*#.   Caia captures this juxtaposition in everything she does.

Caia has an interesting background that forms the basis of her artwork.   She earned her degree from University of California in Santa Cruz and still lives in Santa Cruz.  Now for those of you who have never visited this quirky central coast town, this is where the hippies migrated, generations of little hippies were born, and the wannabe’s have followed.   It’s a land of skateboards, full-sleeve tats, surfing, protests and causes.   What I love most is that she’s been able to communicate the heart of the SC counter culture and her own social concerns and ideals into every piece.   So if you study just a little further you might find hints to a deeper message.

But here’s the best thing about Caia Koopman.  While we aren’t all able to toss out $3,000-$10,000 for an original piece, she offers her images for sale as limited edition prints, prints on metal and wood, posters, calendars.   You can even find gadget covers,  watches and jewelry.  So take a minute to check out Caia Koopman’s Shop!