Orcas, WA
Life is Not Waterproof
$1200
curious@rockisland.com
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MY KATRINA
“Floods are not selective in their destruction. They do not respect wealth, privilege, class or creed. In their wake, they leave mud splattered memories” National Flood Insurance.
We stood and watched the creek rise—never believing it would fill our home. We heard the front doorway crash and water rush in. Water filled the house and as it receded one foot of mud was left in its wake. We knew this was a flood zone, we could see the dry creek.
I stood and looked over the staircase into the damp, dark hole—the living room. I felt so cold. This was a metaphor for my insides. Today I know safety is an inside job and cannot be found in a building. Devastation can lead to ruin or personal growth. Today my insides are closer to my outsides.
So began the idea, scan each photo on archival paper, tear, wax, edge and enclose my fear in a box. It is covered in a picture that was hanging in the living room, seen on a heap in one of the photos. My hope is you feel you are seeing and holding a piece of the flood.
Artist Biography
Karen is primarily a self-taught mixed-media artist. She has studied bookmaking with Peter Thomas, Jone Small Manoogian and Siouxz Duncan. She is currently working in encaustic paint, an ancient medium of pigmented wax. Taught by Eve-Marie Bergen. Her work has been shown at the Santa Clara County Fair, the Orcas Library, and the Orcas Senior Center. Her studio, Creekside Curiosity, opens this summer to the public.
All images and text copyright the artist. All rights reserved.
