Sitting Under the Willow Tree

I have been asked to write about myself…don’t you get a little apprehensive when asked to do this?… lets start at the beginning…just kidding:)
 
Firstly, I am thrilled to be a part of such a diverse and talented group of artists our 7 Works Collective. We learn so much from each other and now we are putting ourselves out there to share with you.  I hope that you are enjoying our newsletters and our art, I find that it is diverse and for most of us very different from what we usually do.
 
With regards to me lets begin with a word- Creative- this word has been used about me for as long as I can remember. My favourite time as a young girl would be sitting under the willow tree in my backyard and just write, colour and of course dream. As I got a little older I would “teach” to the neighbourhood kids using the steps up to the porch as desks. I was also a competitive swim team member of two teams and even had the pleasure of teaching “tiny tots” one summer. I have stripped furniture, calligraphed historical and important documents. I have painted in different mediums and still write poetry/short stories, songs all not published but just for the sheer joy of it. One other item that needs mentioning is my love of photography. I will always be a “student’ of photography- I have been out in nature, taken workshops, been on walks about with a group of photographers and even was lucky enough to photograph a model. I love taking photos for reference and for fun!
 
For me, art is painting, writing, designing art classes, partnering with other artists to teach and to run events as well as my own participation in shows, pop up shows, galleries and studio tours, demonstrations at conferences and Art Society’s here in Ottawa.
 
I have volunteered for Associations over the last 25 years and I have had the pleasure of meeting artists and calligraphers from a lot of different places and a myriad of different practices. I never tire of hearing about how other artists make their art. I don’t know if you have had the pleasure of just listening to someone talk about their art, it is fascinating to learn and “see” the process. If you haven’t attended an artist talk give it a try for fun!
 
Teaching has also been a great learning experience for me- the joy, frustration, eagerness and love of making art fuels the creativity and then ta da! the final piece. The pieces are so varied and I am always amazed at how one idea then becomes a part of many diverse works completed, it is captivating.
 
I also think that art is so much more than the finished product. It is the stories that accompany the pieces that are absolutely fascinating. Next time you attend an art show and see a piece that resonates with you ask the artist for the “story” behind the piece and I promise you that you will learn a little more about not just the art but the artist too.
 
I am influenced by what I love - family, friends, nature, music, writing, other artists and this thing called life.
If you are at all curious about the “stories” behind my art I have made it easy for you to find them. The stories behind the art page here: https://www.karenwynnemackay.com/paintings
 
If you would like to keep in touch you can always find me on my website and if you would like monthly contact sign up for my blog: https://www.karenwynnemackay.com/blog-3
 
Creatively yours,
Cheers,
Karen Mackay

"I see the music in you", 36"h x 48"w, acrylic, collage on canvas, $1300

View this artist's gallery page.