Prior to and during my 20+ year Consultancy career in Interior Design, I continued to paint and explore all avenues of my creative expression through art. Sourcing original art for focal, statement pieces, within the interior schemes I created for my clients was always a priority. On occasions I was privileged to be offered Commissions, to paint bespoke contemporary paintings to suit specific interiors. My aesthetic values in both professions were highly compatible and I knew that the long term vision for my art would always be in relation to its inclusion within interior design.

As an independent, self-taught artist for most of my life whilst juggling a career and travel commitments; I knew that gleaning global knowledge on all aspects of painting was equally important and not negotiable. As a result, my work has evolved unfettered by rigid conventions and conservatisms.

My paintings 40 years ago, were initially of Impressionist landscapes and seascapes in watercolours, oils and acrylics, however in the past three decades my interest and exploration focuses more on the compositional elements of abstraction. This has developed even further into Abstract Expressionism, as my art has become bolder and often more dramatic, which also suits the large scale canvases I favour. I embrace textural tool-work, loose brush-marks, sgraffito and expressive mark-making, as well as collage. Collaged components always have a symbolic connection to the artwork and often relate to architectural drawing plans or aviation charts. Both professions having a meaningful personal connection in my life and which are often relatable to many of my art collectors.

As I divide my time between two different geographical hemispheres, it requires a sense of attachment and detachment, as many people with similar overseas connections will understand. This sensitivity is symbolically translated into a multi-layered complexity within my work, often featuring a diagonal division, signifying the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The spacious, calm areas within juxtapose with intense areas of focus and many compositions are from an aerial perspective. My mark-making may allude to buildings, industrial structures, cranes, beacons, roads, railway-tracks, paths, steps or wires and cables. These are just a few of the symbols I use in my paintings to suggest a connection with those in far off landscapes.

- Karen Grimstead -