When did you know you wanted to be an artist?

I think, like most artists, I’ve always had a passion for art and creating.  I never really thought I would be an “artist” though.  I guess around 2005 I realized I needed to do something with my life and couldn’t imagine a 9 to 5 office type job so I decided to take my hobby to a new level and become a professional artist

Who are the artists that have had the greatest influence on you and why?

Emily Carr, L.S. Lowry and Lucien Freud whose styles I just love. To me they said that anyone can become an artist.  These 3 seem to have just done things their own way and were unapologetic about it.  Carr chose to keep painting despite numerous setbacks and finally gaining the recognition she deserved in a male dominated art world.  Lowry to me is the epitome of that phrase “I can barely paint a stick figure” !  He used that to his advantage and his industrial style and matchstick men even inspired a song.  And Freud, to me, paints people as they truly are – he wasn’t trying to make them beautiful but was trying to capture their soul on canvas.  To be passionate about your work and know what you do and do well is what I hope to convey in my work.

What is the inspiration behind your artwork?

Nature in all it’s glory provides endless subject matter and endless inspiration.  There is nothing better than finding a rock by a lake and making that rock my painting table and that lake my subject.  Spending time painting the landscape gives me a deeper appreciation for the land and all the creatures that inhabit it.

Painting by Karen Bishop

What is distinctive about your art that sets it apart from others?

Lately I’ve been painting exclusively with watercolour on yupo paper.  This synthetic paper is popular with alcohol ink artists but not so many are choosing to paint watercolour on it.  The paper allows the paint to flow in really interesting and exciting ways and I find that I am more intuitive – letting the paper and the paint work their magic rather than trying to manipulate the pigment to work the way I want.  I feel like my work is more spontaneous and meaningful since I’ve started this style.

What advice do you have for aspiring artists?

Just keep painting!  Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t and don’t let the countless rejections stop you.  If you believe in yourself and your talent you will be successful.

Describe the environment or your studio in which you create. Do you have any artmaking rituals?

I think my home studio is like most artists!  Messy and unorganized.  But somehow it seems to work for me.  I also think of my studio as the great outdoors – 365 degrees of inspiration!  When I am ready to paint outside I take time to sit and enjoy the landscape first.  Often I will sit for 15 or 20 mins just visualizing the painting in my head.  I don’t sketch it out very often preferring to let that vision unfold.

What destination around the world most inspires your work?

Has to be the area around Jasper Alberta.  If I could wake up every morning and be able to paint that scenery I think my life would be complete!

Did you go to art school or are you self-taught? What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned along the way?

A bit of both.  I was mostly self taught and then chose to do a certificate course at the University of Alberta’s Extension centre.  At the time I was married with 2 small children and I needed time to myself.  The painting was a way to find that time.  A few years later I felt I needed more education and began a Fine Arts degree at the U of A.  Unfortunately my life became very complicated and I became overwhelmed – something had to give and I decided to end my studies early.  I never did go back. In the 2 years I was there I learned so much perhaps one day I will finish that degree!

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

I think it’s a toss up between being able to fly and being invisible.  I’m a bit scared of heights but the thought of taking off and being able to go anywhere swooping through the sky like a graceful eagle is very tempting.  And then being invisible would allow me to sneak into places and watch unobserved  – imagine if I could paint next to the mother bear and her cubs! Amazing!

Where can people find you online or in person (gallery, upcoming show, etc.)?

Online my website is karenbishop.ca

Instagram – KarenBArtist and Facebook KarenBishopArtist

I’m currently showing at Alberta Branded, Tix on the Square and a pop up gallery in Bonnie Doon Mall with the Creative Collective.  I’m also participating in the Night of Artists show at the Enjoy Centre in the spring as well as the Butterdome Spring Craft Sale and no doubt I will be back at the Whyte Ave Artwalk and Edmonton Folk Fest this summer!