Karen Wykerd

South Africa

• Artist Statement
  • The main theme of my work is the Urban Landscape. I am intrigued by this subject matter as it is central part of our daily lives. I strive to capture the fast paced, bustling street scenes as well as viewing the city from afar. The use of colour and light plays an important role in transforming and elevating the unassuming every day objects into that of something worthy of being documented.
    
• Biography
  • I have been painting for the past 7 years, primarily in oils, and recently in acrylics.
    Over the years I have been Influenced by various artists, one of them being Viera Da Silva(1908-1992) who was an important post-war abstract artist. Her paintings resemble mazes and cities seen in profile or from above.
    
    2014 has been a year of inspiration and transition for my work. This was encouraged by my move to Cape Town where I find myself constantly energized by the abundance of creativity that the Mother City has to offer.
    
    
• Interview
  • Which new trends or South African artists do you find inspiring at the moment?
    Paul Blomkamp, for his bright illuminated crisp areas of colour with crisscrossing lines which portrays the energy of the subject matter. Harold Voigt for his superb use of light and colour. Others are Tracy Payne, Kerri Evans and Ryan Hewitt.
    
    Which South African deceased artist do you most admire and why?
    Pierneef for his distinct style the way he reduced and simplified the landscape into geometric shapes using flat planes and colour.
    
    Which exhibition that you have visited made the greatest impact on you and why?
    I can’t pin point one in particular. I always enjoy Kerri Evans and Lionel Smits exhibitions at the Everard Read Gallery.
    
    Where do you get your inspiration for your work?
    I find inspiration in my surroundings, predominately the city. Having recently moved to Cape Town I am inspired daily, this city has so much to offer.
    
    Do you have any rituals or habits involving your art-making that you can tell us about?
    Because of the nature of my work, I like to plan the painting beforehand, making use of sketches and colour schemes. I use a lot of my own photographic reference as I enjoy documenting the city.
    
    What do you like most about being an artist?
    Having the freedom to dictate my working hours. I also enjoy all the fascinating and inspiring people I come into contact with.
    
    How do you handle bad days when you experience artist's block?
    I have various ways of being inspired, I look at my vast reference files, play my favourite music, sketch do mind maps chat to fellow artists in the studio.
    
    What is your greatest achievement as an artist to date?
    To produce work that I like as well as others and to represented by various galleries.
    
    Do you feel that you want to make a difference to the world or in people's lives? If yes, how?
    I don’t consciously create work to make a difference in people’s lives but I enjoy the fact that they may relate to my work and find pleasure in it.
    
    What are your plans for the coming year?
    I am experimenting with new subject matter and media so that is exciting. I also plan to participate in more exhibitions.