ARTIST'S STATEMENT

People often wonder what inspires an artist in the creation of work. Being such an individual, subjective process, it is very difficult to explain.

For me, painting is the product of my total experience that determines who I am, what I believe and consequently, what I put on canvas. When I begin a painting, I am not conscious of what I am going to paint. I work with color, movement, shape and emotion until something begins to emerge, frequently an unconscious feeling or a forgotten experience. However, not all paintings are memories or emotional experiences. Some are simply compositions that ideally will spark a reaction from the viewer and/or make a lasting impression.

The titles I create for my paintings are often only clues as to my personal feelings or reactions toward the painting. It is my hope that titles will not limit the viewer in his or her own experience. I hope that people allow themselves the freedom either to relate to titles or go beyond this definition and find their own interpretation.

What I express in my paintings is borne out of my deepest emotions and motivations, which are forever changing and growing.

- Karen Harms