KAREN WONG – Artist’s Statement

To me, painting is storytelling.  Human relationships are mysterious, often challenging, sometimes tedious and occasionally glorious.  I want my work to declare the beauty of those glorious moments as well as the mystery of the unspoken life.   I think about the miracle
of birth, of green buds at winter’s end, of the faithful protection of a mother for her little one.  These are the gifts that stir up hope and faith and love, that provide the strength to rebuild after disaster has struck or to continue to love even in the midst of painful times.

I like color, powerful shape and expressive line, and use whatever medium will best capture the idea that is taking root.  Oil is very immediate and tactile, acrylic allows for subtle gradations and layering to produce luminous color, and watercolor is spontaneous and of the moment.

AWARDS

People's Choice, SCVWS 2003

Best of Watercolor, AVARTFEST 2004

Third Place, ART 21 Juried Exhibit 2004

Honorable Mention, LGAA Juried Open 2005

Honorable Mention, Arts Alive Juried 2005

Merit Award, AVARTFEST, Triton Museum 2005

Best of Show, SCVWS 2005

JURIED GROUP SHOWS

ART21 Western States Juried 2004

LGAA Juried Open 2003, 2005

Arts Alive Juried Open 2005

SOLO SHOWS

Border's Books, Los Gatos 2003

Palace Cafe, Sunnyvale, 2005, 2006

Open Studios 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Arts Alive Cruz Cafe 2005

Lady Circuit, Sunnyvale 2006, 2007

Harvest Plaza, Morgan Hill 2006

Los Altos Library 2007

Avalon Art and Yoga Center, Palo Alto 2006, 2009

Lift Fitness, Mountain View 2008
Sunnyvale Art Gallery 2010 (“Journeys”, a Trio of Artists)

karen@karenwongart.com

www.karenwongart.com

650-248-1713

A very active life and many adventures (hobby farming, politics, life overseas, family tragedies) have influenced my development as a painter.  I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to study with Oneida Hammond, Floy Zitten, Jane Hofstetter, Ferenc Besze, Karen Frey, Jean Grastorf, Donna Zagotta, Mike Bailey, Arne Westerman, Cheng Khee Chee, Betsy Dillard Stroud and Katherine Chang Liu.   All have taught me much and shown me how much room there is to grow.  The journey of life continues...