About Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson – Bio

Creating with fibre and fabric in its many aspects has been an integral part of Karen Johnson’s journey. She participated in a 4-H Clothing Club growing up then acquired a Home Economics degree with a major in Clothing and Textiles before teaching as a career.

Experimentation with techniques from the world of art quilting has helped Karen find those that help her to best express herself and has contributed to a more abstract interpretation in her work.

Her inspiration is shaped by daily walks as well as travel and photography. Growing up on a Prairie farm and her Scandinavian background has also influenced her life and her work.

Her work has been accepted into national and international exhibits and has won awards at both levels.

Membership and participation in the following fibre related groups has supported and strengthened her journey as a fibre artist:
Fibre Art Network Association (FAN) 2013
Studio Art quilt Associates (SAQA) 2011
Canadian Quilters’ Association/ACC
Langley Quilters’ Guild – since inception in 2002

Artist Statement

Exploring the world of art quilting has helped me define the best techniques to express my creativity. It’s especially exciting to incorporate fabrics that I’ve hand dyed, followed by adding various surface design applications. Creating my own fabric deepens my connection to the art making process. Layers created through value, texture and stitching add another dimension to the work.

My inspiration and the way I live my life are shaped by daily walks where ever they may be. My perceptions and inspiration change with the seasons. The process of creating a work of art in fibre is a very rich soulful experience and often reflects where I am in my life.

The nuances of the play of light, the lines and shapes of the flora and the colours bring a sense of beauty to my life. This awareness has helped me focus on the basics of design. Currently I’m having fun exploring line and the use of a common grid in my work as I move towards more abstract interpretations.

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email: Karen Johnson
Website: www.karenmariejohnson.com

Artwork by Karen Johnson

Fields of Plenty	Akrotiri	Eclectic Door	Turning Turquoise
From the Ashes	Triple Play	Inside the Ice	Pre-Cambrian Vista #2
Invitation	Rainy Day	Poplar Leaves #3	Streamside Stillness
Circling the Blues	Variations on a Grid #2 Paper	Variations on a Grid #7 Teal Shibori	Alberta Poplars

Exhibition Artwork by Karen Johnson