About Karen Grimstead

My abstract art practice extends between Australia and the UK. Born in the UK, I have lived and worked in Australia for many decades. My work is grounded in an ongoing Australian studio practice and informed by sustained professional engagement with the UK, where I also have a studio.

I’ve been an exhibiting artist since 1990, and the recipient of numerous international art awards. My art has been featured in various publications including Condé Nast (UK) House & Garden; London Life, Chelsea & Belgravia issues UK; Art New York magazine USA; ArtEdit Sydney Australia. Circuit Magazine,Western Australia, The Fremantle Herald Newspaper, Western Australia.

My work is held in private collections in Abu Dhabi, Australia, Cape Town, England, France, and the USA.

As an independent, self-taught artist and qualified Interior Designer, my aesthetic values are influenced by this contrasting combination of structured, measured, design discipline; versus the unfettered freedom of creative, expressionist exploration, confidently translated onto canvas.

My work evolves from a sense of place; a subconscious map navigating the emotional connection of my thoughts, feelings, moods and memories of observing the landscape from above. I frequently fly in our light aircraft, and it is this aerial perspective, where vast openness and intricate detail exist at the same time which influences many of my art compositions.

I work in mixed media for the freedom of choice and spontaneity it gives me and I occasionally include components of flight charts. My process is intuitive, combining blended, layered, colour-fields, and expressive, dynamic, mark-making. These become my personal dialogue, a rhythmic connection which is integral to my work, revealing my strengths and vulnerabilities in an honest and meaningful way.

Instinctively I respond to external factors of climate, ambient light and seasonal influences in nature around me. Inwardly, my mindset, mood and memories guide me, as my paintings organically evolve into distant, indistinct landscapes.

My work is intentionally open, allowing each viewer to find their own meaning within the complexities of life and landscape, while experiencing a moment of stillness, perspective and quiet clarity.

- Karen Grimstead -