We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karen Wynne Mackay. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karen below.
Karen, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.
I thrive on creativity in all aspects of life. My inner artist revels in the quirky details, finding beauty in the cracks and imperfections. Music, words, nature – each one ignites my imagination. I seek out inspiration to fuel my creative passion.
Creative inspirations can happen while walking the forest trails, kayaking in lakes, rivers or oceans, practicing yoga, swimming, cooking, reading, attending art galleries and art shows, listening to music or reading a good book. All these activities fuel my creative path.
True creativity embraces the messy and imperfect. This is the wondrous, magical mess of being human.
Like the Japanese potters, who mend broken ceramics with shimmering veins of gold, I see the potential in the broken fragments.
For me periods of intense creativity feel like just that – a chance to piece together something even more beautiful than before.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an Abstract artist, words and music fuel my creative spirit. Calligraphy provided a gateway from writing to transforming words into colourful works of art. My paintings are my visual voice and I use words in each painting to begin my creative process. While painting I listen to jazz and classical music which helps transport me to my “creative space”.
My artistic journey began with calligraphy. The calligraphic stroke, which must be graceful yet strong, has had a direct impact on my approach to abstract art. For me, creation involves an intimate process of discovery, heartache, and beauty.
My latest series offers my creative vision of “vessels” – containers brimming with symbolism rendered in my mark making and multilayered style. Through paint and creative mark making, I am undertaking to invite viewers into an immersive experience rich in texture and feeling – that conveys a visual story.
The canvas gets filled with layers of vibrant hues and energetic calligraphic strokes. Each mark intertwines with the next, concealing and revealing in a dance of colour and motion.
Events
As an associate at the Old Chelsea Art Gallery my work is on permanent display.
My work is also available at The Ottawa Art Gallery.
As an associate member in the Kanata Civic Art Gallery I have pieces that change quraterly on permanent display.
Coming up events in 2024 will include:
June 2024: Art in the Park https://www.newartfestival.ca/index.html
September 2024: The Glebe Fine Arts Show: https://glebefineartshow.ca/
November 2024: Kanata Civic Art Gallery The Gift of Art Show https://kanatagallery.ca/events/
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Passion, patience and the persistence to evolve. Always learning and willing to try something new is important to my creative journey.
My suggestion to individuals at the initial stage of their journey is first and foremost, relish it! Do not lose yourself- maintain that spark and hold onto it. Engage with art and artists who evoke emotions in you- those who make your heart race, those who leave you in awe, and challenge yourself to explore art that you may not like. Absorb as much as you can about your preferences and dislikes- ask yourself why you dislike it? Does that lead to new thoughts about your work and maybe even new opportunities? Enjoy each and every step.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
That is a good question and what I do to help strategize is seek out inspiration by walking the forest trails, putting on some good jazz and making smaller pieces that are experimental, going to the National Art Gallery, Ottawa Art Gallery and local art shows. I have a very supportive husband, friends and artistic partners that enjoy coffee and talking art. I am very grateful for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.karenwynnemackay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenwm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Karenwynneart/
- Other: I am also a member of 7Works Collective- We recently were interviewed by you. https://7workscollective.weebly.com/
Image Credits
Images are all mine – Karen Wynne Mackay
