Karen Page: Artist's statement and bio

Stratum, handfelted wool and cutting (own technique)

Karen Page

My work focuses on the age-old techniques of handfelting wool. Through research and experience I have developed and refined my techniques and now strive to push the medium beyond its traditional boundaries.

This medium allows me the ability to embed colors and patterns within the piece that become an integral part of the structure of the felt rather than being applied to the surface. I have found this layering of colors and patterns most intriquing and have begun to explore the potential for relationships between the interior composition and the outer surface.

The technique of cutting away the surface reveals the internal organization as it creates a new configuration of marks on the surface. Through the additive process of felting and the subtractive process of cutting I strive to create a sense of balance within the work to reveal the underlying structure without destroying the integrity of the surface plane.

The colors and textures are suggestive of some form found in nature and are inspired by the various patterns on animals, plants, geological formations, cellular structures, etc. These works are not meant to be imitative of nature but to capture its spirit and energy. They represent a personal contemplation of my environment and my fascination with the mysteries hidden within nature.

Bio:

MFA Kent State University, BFA Syracuse University. Selected grants include a National Endowment for the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Artist Fellowship, Surdna Foundation Teaching Artist Fellowship, etc. She has exhibited nationally and internationally including Denmark, Japan, Finland, and Canada. Currently an adjunct teaching-artist at CAPA, as well as an adjunct at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Professional memberships include the Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh and Associated Artists of Pittsburgh. Karen participates in the Artist-in-Residency program through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. World experiences include participating in the 1st International Feltmaking Symposium in Denmark,  four summers as a "handicrafts" volunteer teaching feltmaking to various women's co-ops in Krygyzstan, and attending a class with a master feltmaker in Turkey.