Prior to and during my enjoyable career in Interior Design, I still continued to paint and explore all avenues of expression through art. My paintings 30 years ago, were initially of Impressionist landscapes and seascapes in Watercolours, Oils and Acrylics, however in the past two decades my interest and learning has focused on the compositional elements of abstraction. In recent years it has developed further into Abstract Expressionism, which has encouraged me to be bolder and more dramatic, with textural, loose, brush/tool work and expressive, symbolic mark-making.

What always inspires me is the emotional response to what I am seeing, remembering, and in particular to what I am imagining. This connects me to the art I produce; entwined by the dynamism of life, and geographical experiences, which add layers of complexity in my work. This is often represented by my use of compositional division signifying Northern and Southern Hemispheres as seen from an aerial perspective. It is a sense of seeking a balance between solitude and sociability; change and stability; dynamic movement and calm passivity, which become the Yin and Yang energies to my life and my art.

Whether I am working with paint or glass, I always seek dramatic movement, texture and boldness of composition. It is the dedicated creative process which continues to captivate and motivate me, to continually explore and extend myself.

- Karen Grimstead -