Q: Can you tell us about your first significant piece of art? How did it come about, and what does it represent to you?
Karen: My first significant piece was a pour painting. Funny enough, I hated it at first. I thought it was a complete mess and couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to hang it on a wall. But after moving into a new house, we tried hanging it in my bedroom, and surprisingly, it looked amazing against the green walls. That experience taught me a lot about self-doubt and how subjective art is. Now, I see that painting as a turning point—it helped me trust my instincts and realize that my art could resonate with others, even if I wasn’t my biggest fan at the time.
Q: What artwork defines your style or approach as an artist today?
Karen: Right now, my Impressions series defines where I’m at artistically. It’s a set of five embroidered pieces showing partial faces of strangers I observed downtown. Each piece focuses on first impressions and how we only catch glimpses of people’s identities. I’ve started working more with textiles, which is a shift for me since I used to primarily paint. This series really represents my move into a more detailed, introspective kind of work that combines texture and observation.
Q: Which artwork presented the most challenges for you? How did you overcome those hurdles, and what did you learn from it?
Karen: That would have to be my Wooden Porcelain series. I recreated fine China patterns on small wooden disks using wood-burning techniques, which was incredibly detailed and time-consuming. The biggest challenge was staying focused for long periods, but I found the process therapeutic. It forced me to slow down and be more patient. I learned a lot about balancing perfectionism with allowing the natural grain of the wood and the flow of the patterns to have their own voice. It also taught me to let go of small imperfections—they add character!
Q: What was the experience of putting together your first exhibition like? How did it feel to see your work displayed for the first time?
Karen: My first exhibition was at a local Coffee and Art event. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking! I didn’t think I was ready for that level of exposure, but seeing my work on display for the first time was surreal. People were engaging with my art, and I even sold a few pieces, which was such a confidence boost. That experience showed me that I could take my passion seriously and make a career out of it.
Q: Can you share details about any upcoming exhibitions or projects? What can we expect to see next from you?
Karen: I’m excited about my upcoming exhibition at the St. Catharines Art Crawl next weekend, where I’ll be showcasing the Impressions series. The pieces’ price range is between $300 and $600, depending on the size and detail. After that, I plan to experiment more with sculptural textiles, combining embroidery with some 3D elements. You can expect more exploration with textures and layering, as I’m interested in pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms.
Instagram: Karen Elizabeth Art
Sanya Minocha, a dedicated Tourism Management student at Brock University, is in her final year of studies. With a strong passion for business, sales, and management, she has consistently excelled in her work experience. Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, she enjoys listening to music and staying fit by going to the gym. If you have any stories or comments, kindly email: minocha.sanya@gmail.com
