Meet new IAVA’s latest member Karen Heffernan. We asked Karen a few questions about her art practice.
Karen Heffernan in her studio.
What was your earliest memory of an interaction with Art?
From a very young age I was obsessed with copying cartoons and entering the Sun Herald art colouring competitions. (Yes I have won these! ) I kept many scrapbooks of my work for years, however, in a mad cull they no longer exist.
My passion was using colouring pencils, “COLLEEN” which my mother purchased from Coles supermarket!
How would you describe your art practice?
I have always adored drawing and painting. My drawing now is a means but the painting is the practice that is the end product. I am drawn to the liquidity of painting and enjoy exploring a variety of surfaces from wooden to the traditional canvas. My current practice is quite traditional. I explore my world through the camera lens, looking forward and up. My paintings are heavily influenced by the imagery captured and in particular, time of day and light. I prefer using acrylics and experiment with brushes, sometimes knives, and mediums to capture the effect I am aiming for. I have explored text and environmental concerns in large canvases, but now I lean towards a more intimate scaled surface with detailed forms, often quite historical in effect, in expansive environments. Beauty through my eyes is my goal.
Old masters factor heavily in my influences, also a reflection of my teaching which over the years included an overview of world art history and a knowing of what, where, when and how each influenced the latter. Current influences include Henson, Hearman, Howe, Boulter, Guppy and Min Woo Bang.. it is an endless list!
Do you have a favourite artist or artwork?
I recall one of my earliest “OMG” moments when Rembrandt came to the ANG and my family did a road trip. Standing in front of a Rembrandt painting, “Portrait as an Old Man” and admiring his use of light and dark with such an economy of brush strokes …. just amazing. I will always be drawn to the deepest of dark tones, as the mystery and the melancholy in the composition spoke to me. I purchased the poster and kept this in my classroom for years and years!
Most recent adventure or achievement?
Since retirement, and it is almost 2 years since I finished teaching, my life has been an artistic adventure. I am now focusing on my art practice. I am engaging with the local art community, finding like minded fellow artists, looking, listening and experiencing moments of wonderment and challenge. My first art exhibition in over 30 years was an achievement last September. I held this at Red Point, Port Kembla. It was a moment of exposure and pleasure, and consolidated my desire to keep seeking the concept with an understanding of enhanced material practice.
Any current goals you’re working towards?
Current goals are to exhibit and practice my craft. I have another significant exhibition in June, additionally, I look to being involved in group exhibitions when options arise. I want to see art. I seek out galleries that inspire me and visit them. Locally, nationally, and next year internationally….to look is to see and hence be inspired which impacts upon my craft.