Johnson, Karen

Artist Statement

I love to reuse and repurpose materials.  There is a satisfaction in giving discarded or unused goods a new life.  I am currently working on felt ornaments and since one of my favorite past-times is combing through thrift and second-hand shops, I am often able to find, cloth, leather, buttons, beads and other items to use in my craft.  I do purchase my felt new.  Some pieces are 100% wool, but most are the poly-blends that are made from recycled materials.

I like to make clean, well finished objects that will last.  Since I am currently making ornaments to hang, I like to envision the owner taking them out every holiday season with renewed excitement and having my creation being a small part of their family’s traditions, one they can enjoy for many years to come.

I am particularly attracted to items that are a little retro in feel.  Using different stitches that are found in embroidery, quilting and decorative sewing is handwork that is not done much anymore. I like simplicity with a touch of charm and a connection to the natural world I love.

About Artist Karen Johnson

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating a craft item of some kind.  That seems to be the way it is with crafters, you are born with that creative desire.  I have engaged in many mediums.  I love working with clay, fabric and natural materials like dried plants, rocks and wood.  Having been a Park Service wife since 1970 I’ve always lived in wild and natural places.  To this day, I can’t  take a walk or hike without picking up stones, shells, bark or anything that has an interesting shape and thinking “What could I make with this?”.   I am a current member of the Artists’ & Crafters Guild of Crooked River Ranch.  We plan several local art shows annually in which I participate.  My medium may change every few years, but I can’t ever see myself as not having a dozen project ideas swirling around in my head.  I have no formal art training, but am self taught and have learned the more technical skills I possess by trail and error.   Now that I am retired, I was looking for a craft that I could finish totally by hand and that was portable enough to take along on my travels.  My felt animals are a perfect match for my lifestyle – they reflect my love of nature and the fun of working “small”.  Felt is a great fabric for hand sewing.  You can get nice clean edges and a surprising amount of detail.  I love to see how just a stitch of thread can completely change an expression.  I’m having lots of fun creating these critters.

Artist Code: KJJ