Artist Statement

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

Sept 2011 – 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

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

Apr. 2011 – Juried into Calyx art Show

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