Classic, yet distinctively different, is a good description for the art work of Karen Stockwell. Her formal education, a BA in Art Education and MA in Modern Art History, combined with a playful passion for discovery, makes the appeal of her art and writings understandable.
In her wearable and functional art, Stockwell uses a collage technique developed by her mother to create jewelry, vases, and candleholders. Led by artistic curiosity Stockwell has added fiber art to her long and varied list of art forms. She developed an abstract painting technique to use on silk scarves. “I recently learned how to dye wool or yarn with techniques that include injecting dye with syringes into a ball of yarn, painting dye onto skeins or roving, and dyeing wool locks in a canning jar,” Stockwell adds. “It’s all amazing and great fun!”
Stockwell’s way with words is related to family and shows her propensity for fun, too. According to autobiographical information (http://karenstockwell.net), she began telling stories before she could write and made up songs on the spot to entertain her family. Writing and performing poetry and songs as an adult led Stockwell to the next step, and 12 years after starting it, she finished her first book in 2013, “Dreams of Darkness and Light.”