Artist Bio:

Karen's artistic journey navigates the intersection of mental health, textile culture, and the complexities of military life. This journey began in 2014, following her return from a deployment to Afghanistan. Faced with the challenges of reintegrating into American society combined with significant economic challenges as a lower-ranked enlisted individual, quilting became a therapeutic outlet that quickly evolved into creative expression.

Her fusion of personal experiences, academic insights, and her passion for textiles creates a tapestry extending beyond the tangible. Karen’s artistic approach involves a mix of improvisation and quilting techniques from around the world. She often explores the common experiences of isolation and the natural human desire for social connection.

Karen's commitment to advancing the recognition of textile arts guides her creative pursuits. Throughout the years, she has blended modern and traditional quilting techniques from various cultures and historical periods, creating a narrative that highlights the storytelling potential of textiles. Integrating anthropological insights into her artistic process adds layers of meaning and connection to each creation, aiming to resonate on a profound level with viewers.

In her current body of work, Karen explores landscapes, drawing inspiration from personal memories and the strong desire for social and family connections. Each piece serves as a visual narrative, reflecting memories and emotional experiences tied to different land- and seascapes. The artworks aim to convey a sense of place while capturing the universal longing for human connection and the complexity of familial bonds. Through this exploration, Karen seeks to bridge the gap between personal recollections and the collective human yearning for social belonging, creating visual stories that resonate with the universal quest for connection and a sense of home.

Karen can usually be found in her creative studio listening to music or historical/true crime podcasts while making colorful messes - assisted by her mischievous furry overlord, Lucius, her lovable couch potato, Titus, and the newest member of the studio team, Daisy.