Artist Statement
About Karen Biko
I have been surrounded by art and creativity all my life. Some of the influences started early when as a child we were living across the street from a well known artist in Winnipeg, Bruce Head, others just followed along with my life such as remaining friends with my high school art teachers. My family all seemed to be creative, which just helped fuel the desire and the creativity. My sister and aunt are both artists, my father is a woodworker, and my mother is intensely talented in her many creative pursuits. I spent two complete summers at the Leighton Centre with Barbara Leighton and Roma Jones.
How could Art not be a part of my life?
I love colour and I love expressing movement through my paintings. Each one creates itself on the paper and canvas. Never realizing what the final outcome will be until the last brush stroke, or more likely in my case dot, signifies the complete work.
At an exhibition, someone came by one day and sneered at me that I had no “formal training”. But my experimentation and appetite to learn have brought me further than I ever thought possible. I’m always looking to try something new, or figuring out a new touch that will add to the composition. I don;t have formal training, but I am having a lifetime of inspiration.
– Karen Biko
Artist Resume
Jun 2012 – Present Incorporated Artistic Entities www.ArtisticEntities.com
This is my opportunity to invite other artists to show with me at different venues that I find around the Calgary area.
Sept 2010 – Present Calgary Community Painters – Member
May 2010 – Present Leighton Center – Member
Previously juried into a show in 2009. Previously worked at the Centre with her mother and Barbara Leighton as a small girl.
Oct. 2008 – Present Riverview Artists – Member and then associate member
Juried into group, and eventually took over web development and redesign of the group’s website. Has sold many pieces through the various shows around Calgary.
Aug 94 – 2003 Interior Designer/Facilities Coordinator
Worked with several companies including, TransCanada Pipelines, Trammell Crow, Nova Gas Transmission, Canadian Airlines managing work spaces using her design training.
Sept. 1992 – Aug. 1994 Mount Royal College – Interior Design Diploma
Trained in technical design and drafting, graphics, history of modern art and furniture, design, business.
Other Shows and Accomplishments
July 2019 – Juried into Calgary Stampede Gallery
July 2017 – Honen’s – One of five artists selected to paint public Pianos
May 2016 – Calgary Health Trust – selected to paint Horse for Charity
April 2015 – Calgary Health Trust – selected artist to lead Community Art project
May. 2013 – Juried into Leighton Centre Abstract Show
2012 – Launched Artistic Entities
Apr. 2011 – Juried into Calyx art Show (Continued each year)
Oct. 2010 – selected to show at Jelena Milojevic music concert
Feb. 2010 – Spoke at Bruce Head memorial service at Winnipeg Art Gallery
Sept. 2009 – Juried into Leighton Centre’s Open Air show
2008-2010 – Juried into Triangle Gallery’s Fundraiser three years running
2008 – Designed and launched own website. www.karenbiko.com
Hi Karen, you mentioned to me that you are collecting empty thread spools, and I have a bunch to bring back to Calgary from my sewing club here in Arizona. I just want to check if you still want them, before I pack them home? Anne
mslopas@gmail.com
Hi Anne….sorry I just saw this message. I would be so happy to have those spools if it’s not too late! Let me know where you are and I will come get them….in Calgary.
Thank you.
Karen
Hello Karen,
This is Christine from the Calgary Fiddlers. Do you have a name for the black and white art fiddle you did for us? We are hoping to display it at our Christmas show.
Sorry Christine, just saw this. The name was on the fiddle itself. It was a Maori name as that is where I received the impression from for its creation and unique look.
Karen