Introduced to poverty at the age of twelve, Karen became acutely aware of the plight of others. Her involvement with the Non-governmental Organisation (NGO), Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, has broadened her understanding about the widening gap between rich and poor, and the abuse wreaked upon our lovely planet Earth. Since settling in Edmonton in 2011, she has concentrated on bringing awareness to others through her mixed media paintings, installations and poetry. A founding member of Devenir, DDK and Duo, she enjoys the dynamic of working in tandem with other artists as well as within the more traditional solo model. Her studio/gallery, in her backyard, and is open to the public by appointment only.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Beauty is the mainstay of my work. Although I begin in chaos with random texture and rivulets of paint in all directions, beauty remains. The chaos underlying my work reflects our world. We live on a fractured planet where too many suffer needlessly. Even the plants, animals and rocks pay the toll of human greed. Yet we can rectify the imbalance if we allow ourselves to shoulder the responsibility. Awareness is the first step. Passing through denial and anger, we can then move into action. We can be kinder, less wasteful, better informed. My intention focuses on capturing the attention of my viewers. I lead them to question the status quo. So it begins, like planting seeds in springtime.