Hello, I’m Karen! I use copper and with a combination of various epoxies and polymers, to create tole botanicals painted with washes of enamel paint. These floras will then be “planted” into found vintage containers, or embed into resin on oil painted canvases. 

My work is deeply influenced by my little girls, who at ages two and five started to meander about our garden and pick flowers as tokens; either for me or for themselves. These blooms were usually left on stoops, in baskets my girls carried around, or placed on the floor in neat little rows like soldiers. However, as these things often go, these blossoms were eventually forgotten about. As the girls continued about their day chasing butterflies, laying under the shade of old trees, or digging with sticks for rocks in the mud. I found myself stumbling across tiny florets on tables and chairs, sometimes days later in odd corners such as a drawer, or (my favorite) set down just so on a handkerchief; which inspired the squares that I paint on my canvases.

My paintings are inspired by these sweetly neglected little blossoms. Placing each handmade flower on what I imagine to be tablecloths, napkins, and handkerchiefs. The flowers I make are the same kinds I grow (or have attempted to grow) in my own garden. Trying to work from life and within the season; whenever I can. They represent the year round beauty of the southern garden, femininity, and of course my children. My flowers are me holding on to these sweet little moments, they are the memories I hold most dear.

Being born in the West (Utah), I consider myself a Southern transplant. I now live in Nashville, Tennessee with my wonderful husband and two sweet little girls. I owe everything to them, and grateful for their patience, love, and daily support.