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| Fine Art by KAREN SEWELL ARTIST'S STATEMENT |
| I have had a passion to create all of my life. The countryside where I grew up provided the perfect outlet for this need. As a child, observing the small dramas being played out in nature would prompt me to draw them in my drawing pads. Over time, the beauty of my surroundings and stories of old-time traditions would greatly influence my artwork. I paint subjects that touch on my experiences and memories. I draw heavily from the familiar surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In each painting, I want the viewer to enter the serenity of the environment. When I paint a portrait, I try to capture the essence of the person I'm painting. I want the casual observer to get a sense of the person. Whether it's the mischievous sparkle in a child's eye, or the proud tenacity of an old farmer, I want my audience to get to know the person in the painting. |
| CONTACT INFORMATION: 540.763.2862 or Email |
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| I enjoy working with multiple mediums and any subject matter that whispers to me. Being diverse in my creative process prevents me from becoming stagnant, allowing me to continue to grow as an artist. I feel artists should be open to learning from each other; I believe a competitive spirit destroys artistic ability and meaning. No one person knows all there is to know about life or making art. Sharing knowledge enriches everyone's life. When looking at my work, I know that through the years I have developed a style that reflects my life, my values, and my passions. My inspiration comes from observing the small vignettes of everyday life. These stories are nostalgic reminders of where we come from and hints of where we're going. |
| My "Homeplace Series" is a collection of paintings, in different genres and media, that depict my heritage, my childhood, and my memories of growing up. A lot of the subject matter in this series is in danger of becoming lost forever due to deterioration as it fades into the past. Although the past is part of the experience that contributes to any artist's work, I feel that it has to be looked at in order to grow and go forward as a well-rounded individual. I do not feel that I have to hold on to each of these pieces of work. As with all of my artwork, I feel it is my responsibility as well as an emotional release to share what has been given to me with others. |