Karen K Wallen

Can you tell us more about how your early experiences in nature and family life influenced your artistic vision?

As a very young child growing up in small-town Stillwater, Oklahoma, I spent my days exploring the countryside with my siblings, and became enamored with the glorious essence of nature, as I climbed trees, biked—and sketched my surroundings with the artistic tools my parents provided.

What role did your fascination with Ancient Egypt play in shaping your aesthetic or conceptual approach?

I became totally obsessed with Egypt when, in 4th Grade, we took a deep dive into that Ancient World! We created hand drawn reports and illustrations of its culture which I still recall! Later, while visiting Egypt in my 30s, the fascination solidified!

Karen K Wallen | Today was a Volcanic Eruption

How did your time teaching in places like Korea and Seattle influence your understanding of art as a form of communication?

While living in Seoul and Taegu, Korea, traveling and teaching full-time, I became enchanted with this beautiful Asian culture and architecture, creating many watercolor and ink paintings which taught me the value of expressing my feelings and deep appreciation of other peoples and their artistic styles!

Why did you choose Abstract Expressionism as your current focus, and what does this style allow you to express that others do not?

I choose Abstract Expressionism because it allows me to splash my emotions onto the canvas, as they flow through my fingertips, brushes, sticks and all other tools I employ!

What emotions or reactions do you hope your audience experiences when engaging with your work?

I often experience a strong empathy with the people I interact with and paint; therefore, my characters and settings become my way of communicating those experiences— and relating with my audience in a fluid and nonjudgmental manner! In other words, I’m telling them that it’s ok to be who they are—and to choose their own paths!

Karen K Wallen | High Tide

You often use your hands, brushes, and even sticks—how does this tactile process affect the emotional depth of your work?

I am a very “touchy-feely” person and artist; therefore, donning my blue surgical gloves and swirling my acrylic paints on the blank surface evokes excitement as well as strong satisfaction in me, as does scratching and dabbing with tree branches and brushes!

Many of your paintings reflect relationships and life paths—how do you translate personal or imagined stories into visual form?

When I execute paintings, I begin with several layers of brilliant acrylic colors, allowing each layer to solidify! During this process, human figures and emotions emerge in my eyes, and I envision relationships and live experiences as I literally circle the piece from every angle! The work speaks to me of love, passion—and the complicated human experience emerges!