Karen's Story

I can relate to anyone who might think that they aren’t an artist. A year and a half ago I would have said that about myself. I had never drawn or painted a thing in my life yet something spoke to me and said, just try it. Ever since then I haven’t been able to stop. My advice to anyone is to listen to your inner voice and then just go for it. You’ll never know what you can do until you try.

When I start a new painting I have a basic idea of what I want to accomplish. But somehow, as the paint meets the canvas, I end up making one “mistake” after another. Before I know it the painting has taken on a life of its own and I feel like a passenger along for the ride. The main inspiration for my paintings is the joy of discovery. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next.

The most interesting thing I’ve learned through my art is an appreciation of simplicity. I like to think of my paintings as depicting an emotion, story or moment in time. I don’t need to paint a photograph to accomplish this. Less really is more. The trick is finding the right things to include.

Karen's Story

I can relate to anyone who might think that they aren’t an artist. A year and a half ago I would have said that about myself. I had never drawn or painted a thing in my life yet something spoke to me and said, just try it. Ever since then I haven’t been able to stop. My advice to anyone is to listen to your inner voice and then just go for it. You’ll never know what you can do until you try.

When I start a new painting I have a basic idea of what I want to accomplish. But somehow, as the paint meets the canvas, I end up making one “mistake” after another. Before I know it the painting has taken on a life of its own and I feel like a passenger along for the ride. The main inspiration for my paintings is the joy of discovery. I can’t wait to see what is going to happen next.

The most interesting thing I’ve learned through my art is an appreciation of simplicity. I like to think of my paintings as depicting an emotion, story or moment in time. I don’t need to paint a photograph to accomplish this. Less really is more. The trick is finding the right things to include.

Stride Story Walk

Willingdon Linear Park connects neighbourhoods and during the 2023 Stride Burnaby Arts Festival it will also connect us with some of Burnaby‘s inspired and inspiring artists. This open air installation of art and stories collected by Stride partner We Are Burnaby sparks our curiosity and reminds us how the arts can enrich and strengthen a community.

Come celebrate Burnaby’s art and soul at the 2022 Stride Burnaby Arts Festival from February 3 – 12, 2023