About the Artist
Karen Meadows has a rich history in the art world. She was born in Northern California and raised by an artistic mother who allowed chaos and encouraged art making from a young age. She was surrounded by nature spending hours roaming the hills on her horse. The natural world has been a strong influence in her art making.
Karen received her M.F.A. from California College of the Arts, and upon graduation was accepted into the Lausanne Biennale. Her 10’ x 14’ fiber wall piece was selected to travel to various museums across Europe. She was selected as Artist in Residence in San Francisco to make art for public buildings using industrial discards (SCRAP).
In addition to art making, Karen has established herself as a valued educator, creating innovative art programs at Redwood High School. She is passionate about guiding students through the creative process and has written hundreds of inspiring project ideas. Her work is in private collections, as well as corporate buildings in San Francisco.
Artist’s Statement
My paintings evolve from intuition and chance.
My art allows the viewer to experience color, texture, movement, and surprise. Each painting holds within it a personal metaphor of my quest for personal understanding and growth. My style is abstract with an occasional recognizable form layered within the paint. I use acrylic, collage, and cold wax on wood panels.
When I start to apply paint or wax to a surface, many surprises happen. Most of my paintings have many layers, and this allows me to sand back to reveal discoveries that show me where to go next. I find endless inspiration and excitement excavating into the materials, which guide my next move. My intention is to invite viewers to experience my process and see something new.
I have a deep love of color and pattern. When the painting starts to feel finished, I sometimes add a pattern or a color and try to bring it to a visually balanced piece.
Working in this way brings me great moments of joy, engagement, and challenge. It keeps me awake and in the moment.
I have always had a need to make things, to experiment with materials and forms that have an emotional starting point. Encouraged from an early age by an artist mother and a freedom to make things and experiment guided my early vision to become an artist.