Nature is always in flux. I explore this ever-present phenomenon of change through my Chinese ink and mixed media painting practice. These internalized impressions of the natural world are informed by my empirical observations of what I see around me. Rather than conveying a literal representation, I’m more interested in capturing the feeling instead of the precise details of an evolving landscape. My goal is to evoke the essence of the natural world, reflecting its fluidity and subtle transformations.
I create within a philosophical framework inspired by Taoist philosophy and influenced by my interest in the early literati tradition of Chinese landscape painting. These ancient concepts guide me to explore new ways of expressing the harmony and balance inherent in nature. Taoism's emphasis on naturalness and simplicity, combined with a focus on personal expression and spontaneous brushwork, shape my artistic approach.
Using Chinese ink as a point of departure to convey these ideas, I paint directly onto Xuan (rice) paper, incorporating a variety of other painting media and techniques. This allows me to create a balance between emptiness and concreteness, solid forms and undefined atmospheric spaces. The interplay of these elements helps convey both the deceptive appearance of permanence with the transient and ephemeral qualities of nature.
As my art practice evolves, I continue to explore new approaches to Chinese ink painting by incorporating both Eastern and Western perspectives and techniques. This fusion of traditions enriches my work, enabling me to push the boundaries of conventional ink painting and discovering innovative ways to express meditative reflections of the natural world.
-Karen M. Krieger