Karen Olson - Maine Lens-Based Artist
When trees converse, the air is charged with chemical substances, fragrances, hormones, and electrical connections. Placing myself in the middle of the conversation I am illuminated by it. Keenly interested in this human-nature connection and how it supports and fosters mental health and interpersonal communication has become the subject of my latest projects.
My work is conceptual and lens-based, exploring subjects such as grief, trauma, forest bathing, and the psychology of creative process. The act of constructing, deconstructing, and constructing further with both physical materials and digital files imitates the natural cycles of growth and decay. Elements are digitally captured, blended, and intertwined. Fibers, papers, and photographs are formed and sculpted, adding weight and texture. Creatively, I seek an open dialog with the materials and the subject, encouraging collaboration and interchange.
I create intimate landscapes that are ethereal and immersive. They offer the viewer respite and recovery a safe place to explore feelings and emotions.
Hello, I’m Karen
I live in Hope, Maine, a lovely little town just off the coast, an area we call ‘Midcoast’ which includes Camden, Rockport, and Rockland. It boasts beautiful coastal and woodland trails which I take full advantage of.
Mentoring sessions in photography, creativity, and paper sculpture are available on a per hour or per day basis, details available here.
I am always open for collaboration and interchange and am happy to answer your questions. Feel free to send me a note!
Karen@KarenOlsonPhotography.com
Watch the Friday Feature Artist interview with Fibre Arts Take Two
Read the article, “Grief and Flow,” on Fibre Arts Take Two
Read the interview with Rfotofolio for the 2024 Portfolio Award.
Listen to “‘The Drop’ Podcast from Waterfall Arts, Belfast, Maine,
where I talk about collaboration,
working through trauma, and courage.
Professional Associations
Web-Editor, Board Member, International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists
Forest Therapy Guide (currently in training)
Installations
Walkthrough and artist talk at Waterfalls Arts Solo Show “The Embrace.”
