When I create my art, I try to tap into the calm center of myself and let myself respond to my environment and the materials I work with. I love the rhythm of weaving and stitching. Creating my own cloth feels right, and the challenge of re-creating moments in nature is endlessly fascinating for me. I take time to absorb each piece that I make in all of its stages, until it is complete.
My work is shown in group or solo shows, and I also create special pieces on commission for individuals, businesses, or through art consultants. My process for commissions is personal and rewarding for me both me and my clients. I enjoy learning what it is that people respond to in my work, and what they are looking for in their home or business. Please visit my links to see more of my artwork, process and inspiration, and feel free to contact me for Exhibit, Commission, or Lecture opportunities.
The other creative hat I wear is as a Freelance Textile / Surface Pattern Designer, working with clients in the Home Furnishings, Fashion and Stationery/Giftware industries. With this aspect of my work, I create designs using the fiber techniques I love, and incorporate many other art techniques as well. I also create computer generated designs in Photoshop and Illustrator, and/or my designs are a combination of both hand and computer work. While this design work is not included on my art website currently, I'm happy to send design samples upon request, and encourage you to contact me if you have a project in mind.
I’m also working on getting an Etsy site together for the wearable art and other smaller hand crafted items that I enjoy making. Once I have that shop up, I'll let you know!
Artist statement: In my work, I am interested in the connections between self, place, emotion and time. Seasons, atmospheres and the time of day intrigue me. I try to recreate these natural occurrences, evoking emotions that I associate with them through the use of color, line, and texture.
I use different dye techniques (batik, shibori, color removal, rust print) as well as sewing with my weavings and fabric pieces. I draw lines by stitching with thread. Dimension is added with tucks, layers, or other manipulations of fabric. The lines suggest landscape or other aspects of nature. Most of the techniques I choose to use are very contemplative, encouraging introspection; other processes are spontaneous and unpredictable. I try to find a balance between the two approaches, trying to capture those ephemeral, fleeting moments of time.
Short Bio:
Originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Karen Henderson now resides in the beautiful Green Mountain state of Vermont. She learned weaving and print design in the textile design program at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has been shown in high-end craft shows and exhibits, and is found in many private and corporate collections. Her work has been published in entitled “1000 Artisan Textiles” , ""The Guild Sourcebook of Residential Art #6"", and in Fiberarts, Surface Design Journal, and Selvedge magazines. Recently, some of her work was used on the set of the award winning movie “Black Swan”.
Location: Montpelier, Vermont, USA
Memberships:
Languages spoken: English
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| Hand woven textile by Karen Henderson |
Tags: fine art, landscape, stitching, tapestry wall pieces, weaving, commissions, textile, fiber, textile design, surface pattern design
