Overview
Karen is interested in developing bespoke, solution based approaches to making art and working in schools. Situations requiring innovative creative responses range from suspending a dancer from the side of a building in Hungary, to making maths more creative and engaging for first and middle school children in Cumbria.
Creative solutions to sites include: a skirt for a volcano, sun-umbrella sculptures for a beach, a seascape for a skylight in a school. As a socially engaged artist Karen enjoys working with others -particularly schools and community groups – so creativity is a shared experience with the making process and results owned by the children and adults whom the work will mean most to.
Experience
Karen has worked on a huge variety of projects both in this country and across Europe (she speaks German). She has worked as a Creative Agent and Practitioner for Creative Partnerships and is involved with KulturKontakt, Austria through the European project: Artists in Creative Education.
She is a member of the Baltic Centre for Contemorary Art freelance artist team and works for the charity VARC with two schools for children with autism.
Many of her school projects include CPD sessions for staff.
Karen finds bespoke solutions working with staff and children to identify aims for a project before researching materials and approaches. She is as happy working for a day (creating bugs to float on water), a week (architectural designs for an outdoor classroom), over a term (working with children to design a sculpture for their school). Or supporting children in achieving the Arts Award.
Testimonials
“Just wanted to say another big thank you for the session on Wednesday; it was like therapy. I feel inspired, motivated and a more worthy teacher. My colleagues, were very impressed (and very jealous) that I had experienced such a valuable day. “ – Angela Robinson, Art Teacher, Ryton Comprehensive (response to CPD session)
“Love the sculpture! The children really felt they were given ownership of the artwork from the beginning and encouraged to self-evaluate and collaborate to improve and refine. In terms of the school, the opportunity for the children to work alongside you has been really valuable. They feel proud that their work is on display in the form of a ‘real’ work of art.” – Bethan Smith, Head, Framwellgate Moor Primary School, Durham
“Karen is brilliant! she gave us ideas which we would never have dreamed of. We learnt a lot, we really liked her coming and she boosted my confidence in art up a level.“ – Rebecca, year 6, Star of the Sea RC Primary School, Whitley Bay
