Artist - Karen L French - KAREN L FRENCH

GALLERIES

RECENT ARTWORK

TRANSFORMATIVE ALCHEMICAL ART

As described in my second book, The Hidden Geometry of Life, when we are creative we are mirroring the creativity of the Divine, especially when our own creations are imbued with light and positive intent. This also holds true for cooking, sewing, gardening, sculpting, building, and all creative human endeavours. We are co-creators of our own reality.

Symbolism does influence you, which is why it is so important in situations where it is utilised specifically to do so (e.g. logo designs, flags and city layouts). Every piece of art I create is rich with symbolism - sacred geometry of shapes and patterns, light and colours, flowers, animals, and so forth. Specific material Elements may have been incorporated within them because of their own symbolism, purpose and also vibration, such as gold, silver, copper, quartz, flowers and feathers.

Alchemical artwork is a fusion of sacred intent, geometry, light (colours) and the Classical Elements. With alchemical art changes happen, both to to the viewer, or user - physically, emotionally, subconsciously, and the artist. Much like mantras and mandalas they are tools for connecting into with your Mind for healing, guidance and inspiration. Every geometric shape or pattern has a unique purpose in 'shaping' reality. When used deliberately and filled with emotive colours they have a dynamic effect that resonates with the viewer. An additional layer of vitality is included by using mixed media and specific materials, such as ground crystals or metallic leaf. This is an alchemical mix, where the intent, process, tools, materials and symbolism are essential ingredients of the overall piece.

This incredible feature of art to affect people so fundamentally and transform their being has radically altered what I do, and how I do it, as an artist.

SACRED CREATIVE PROCESS

When creating her artwork I clear my mind, usually meditating before selecting a canvas and materials. Every piece has an element or order and chaos to it but these are not predetermined. Colours choose themselves as the work progresses. Sacred geometry always features and provides the main message of the piece, while the colours indicate emotions or aspects of the human experience the geometry relates to. I also draw symbols on the back of the art to activate it.

INSPIRIT ART

When I draw and paint specifically for an individual, group or location I call this Inspirit Art. It is very personal and can evoke emotions, bring through deep healing, reveal guides, past issues, and so forth. Once they have done their 'job' the art needs to be released, generally by saying 'thank you' and then burning it.

Art is magic... but how is it magic? In its metaphysical development, or does some final transformation culminate in a magic reality? In truth, the latter is impossible without the former. If creation is not magic, the outcome cannot be magic.
Hans Hofmann
(1880 – 1966) Abstract expressionist painter

USING MY ART

To see and experience more from my art think of them as a 'thought forms' that you want to gain a perceptual exepreince from. Observe it from each Point of view; investigate it using logic, explore with the imagination and sense it intuitively. Then blend all 3 perspectives and experience it more intensely. Consider how an image makes you feel - neutral, angry, happy, frustrated, excited? What insights do you gain from using it as a meditative tool?

Through imagery the timeless, formless and boundless are made concrete using symbols so try using the images for reflection and meditation to travel around reality using your Mind.

Karen L. French has produced a book that is concise and acts as a wonderful research tool for all art students and professional artists. The visuals are exciting and thought provoking and give the topics discussed a tangible dimension. The text is easy to read and yet manages to cover the intellectual context of the theories. The theories put forward are varied and the reader is taken on a journey of learning where one topic feeds into the other. This approach allows the reader the time to compute the information and to research in a creative manner. I would recommend this book to any artist, tutor or student working in any artistic discipline. It is well researched and a great point of reference for the study of geometry, science, spirituality and their place in our natural environment.
Jackie Carter - Head of Art
Abbeyleix Further Education Centre