A Bluethumb Success Story: Karen Lee
As the year continues to unfold in unpredictable ways, it’s important to acknowledge the unexpected silver linings when they present themselves. Events continue to be postponed and physical spaces remain closed. And yet, independent artists are still flourishing in their creative careers, with more of us turning to the stories and cultural significance within art. These are hits of success in testing times. In a recent article by The Guardian, Karen Lee’s Bluethumb success story recently came to the limelight – a story that deserves to be celebrated.
Karen Lee at work in her studio. Credit: The Guardian
The calling to art has been ever-present through Karen Lee‘s memories. Since learning basic drawing technique as a child with her aunt, a watercolour artist herself, and throughout a career as a singing teacher, the desire to create had stirred quietly in the background. “In 2006, I took the step to do an arts degree, and that’s where it began,” Karen says.
The painstaking process! Karen’s meditative movement that forms her bright work. Credit: The Guardian
Visual, historical and emotive cues form the perspective with which Karen Lee paints, combined with an inherent fervour for storytelling. “The artists that have influenced my art practice are also storytellers, either by their visual aesthetics or through their concepts.” Karen’s study of art didn’t stop after graduation; today she continues to learn through her practice stylistically and conceptually. “I have learnt to be vulnerable, to take risks, to believe in myself and to be grateful for this amazing opportunity to do what I love. That’s what I want people to connect with: the joy I feel when I paint.”
Karen Lee takes away the depth of the subject and gives it to the canvas by adding layers of colour and pattern. Featured: Pleasantly-Elusive
From her celebrated abstract landscapes to her children’s Aboriginal dreamtime, storytelling is the theme that cultivates Karen’s art practice. “I always ‘wonder’. I wonder who has been here before me and what events have happened in this space. Is this a happy space? Does this landscape hold sadness? Memory is a keeper of the past, its remnants catalogued in ourselves and our surroundings. My dreamtime story interpretations are purely imaginative visual compositions, playful and full of colour and a contemporary way of introducing a beautiful culture to a contemporary society. My art is not traditional, but it is a reflection of who I am as an Indigenous Australian in an urban society. I am also a thread between what has passed and the future of my culture and people.”
Which is your favourite? Karen Lee’s freshest artworks in her studio space.
This year more than any before has shown online sales of Indigenous art surge, both for art centres across Australia and for independent Indigenous artists. Karen Lee’s success as an Aboriginal artist was recently highlighted in the Guardian. Karen attributed a chief reason for the growth in sales to the “raised awareness of the importance of culture and … an increased interest in the storytelling of Indigenous art.”
“I was grateful for the recent feature in the Guardian, including a couple of other features during that time. It was amazing exposure – just what any artist would appreciate – but it also came with a feeling of whether I was deserving of the attention. As an Indigenous Australian who is successful in their field, it is a common underlying thought that it wouldn’t have been possible without a ‘handout’. I hope that my art is received the way it is created; with joy and passion, and not with prejudice.
Karen’s sales through Bluethumb rose 400% from May to June this year. Credit: The Guardian
“I know there are many people that have an innate interest in Australian Indigenous culture and its art. My hope is that with this focus comes a greater understanding and a willingness to embrace and learn more about our culture and art. I definitely foresee a positive outcome for Aboriginal art communities and artists financially, but what can be learnt is just as valuable. Knowledge is a path to understanding and compassion.
Petals on the Wind is full of symbolism, while simultaneously pays tribute to one of Karen’s favourite authors from her youth.
Though her success may have felt unforeseen, Karen still has ambitions for the future looking ahead. “I visualise that one day I will have or be part of a large exhibition in a major gallery. I jokingly say it all the time – a girl can dream, can’t she? More importantly, I want to continue to create art that brings happiness to people’s homes and spaces.”
Karen predicts a promising future for Aboriginal artists and communities. Credit: The Guardian
Discover more of Karen’s work on her profile, or click here to see her Artist Picks on Bluethumb.
Karen is a brilliant, creative, attentive and intuitive storyteller. She commissioned a large sentimental artwork for our family. Every brush stroke tells part of our families story so carefully and respectfully. I loved working with Karen and felt at ease sharing with her our personal journey.
I love Karen’s work and what was instantly appealing when I first came across her profile on Bluethumb was the freshness and playfulness of her art. I recently bought a piece – a landscape – and love looking at it on my wall, interpreting the way the brushstrokes leave their trace on the canvas in the same way people leave their energy and presence in a landscape.
I have a picture from Karen Lee, I am interested to visit a place where I can go to buy.
Thanks
Aida Florez
Hi Aida,
Thanks for your comment! You can view and buy Karen Lee’s artwork online at https://bluethumb.com.au/karen-lee-art
Karen’s work is also on display at 1Denison’s For Our Elders exhibition, now until 25th August.
The lobby is open 7:30am – 6pm Monday to Friday.
Karen is doing 2x artist talks on Tues 4th & Thurs 6th July. Plus an art class on Wed 5th July that you won’t want to miss!