Artist Statement:

In my work, I am interested in the connections between self, place, emotion and time. Seasons, atmospheres and the time of day intrigue me. I try to recreate these natural occurrences, evoking emotions that I associate with them through the use of color, line, and texture.

I use different dye techniques (batik, shibori, color removal /discharge) as well as sewing with my weavings and fabric pieces. I draw lines by stitching with thread. Dimension is added with tucks, layers, or other manipulations of fabric. The lines suggest landscape or other aspects of nature. Most of the techniques I choose to use are very contemplative, encouraging introspection; other processes are spontaneous and unpredictable. I try to find a balance between the two approaches.

Bio:

Karen Henderson began her artistic life growing up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She first studied fine arts with an emphasis on printmaking, afterwards decided to pursue her own studies for a few years, focusing mainly on batik. This passion led Karen back to school to immerse in the study of textiles. She learned weaving and print design in the textile design program at Moore College of Art & Design in Philadelphia, PA. For a few years after graduating, Karen worked as a textile designer in the wallpaper industry, while in her spare time pursuing her personal artwork in fabric collage. Then an opportunity took her to New Jersey where she worked at Peters Valley running the craft center’s fiber department. There, for a few years, Karen was able to get back to a more serious studio practice while also getting to meet wonderful fiber teachers and students from all over the country (and beyond!). Karen now lives with her partner, Jim, a screenwriter, film maker, actor, and sculptor in the beautiful Green Mountain state of Vermont.

Her work has been shown in high-end craft shows, galleries, and both national and international exhibits. Her work has also been published in 1000 Artisan Textiles, The Guild Sourcebook of Residential Art #6, and in Fiberarts, Surface Design Journal, and Selvedge magazines.