Karen O’Reilly
Biography
Karen has a lifetimes experience as a wife, mother and GP. As a teenager her academic aptitude and interest in what it means to be human took her into a career in medicine and away from her natural interest in writing and the arts. Throughout her medical career these interests remained close with several written pieces achieving publication and some large acrylic commissions
Now in retirement she has time to revisit that innate creativity that followed her throughout life, drawing on her own life experiences with both the written word and using a wide range of creative mediums. She hopes to take her creativity to a new level and is about to embark on a years long course ‘Defining Practice’ at the Newlyn School of Art. She currently spends her time between Hampshire and Devon
Artist’s statement
The inspiration for my creativity in all its forms stems from the magma deep within that has evolved as a result of my own human experiences as well as the impact being a doctor has had over a career spanning 41 years.
My art is as diverse as it is abstract and takes many forms including the use of textiles both printed, found and eco printed as well paint mediums, natural fibres, metal, found or salvaged objects and woven cloth made on my Saori Loom
In the creation of any piece I seek
to make a connection between my inner feelings and those buried deep within the observer provoking either thought, reflection or solace demonstrating an awareness that on life’s journey we all walk side by side in our uncertainties. Through my art I seek to achieve that connection with the observer that affirms we are truly never alone.
