Symbols of Life

What objects in your life evoke special memories and feelings? What are the sights, sounds and smells that you associate with them?
This is the essence of my Symbols of Life series—to capture both the sensual and the visual representation in the paint medium.
In a left-brain world where daily we must quickly and constantly register, assess and categorize information, pause and find an
enjoyable moment in accessing a quieter, perceptual, non-time oriented right brain and rediscover the wonderful spectrum of senses.

To capture special objects on canvas requires thoughtful consideration of light, mood and atmosphere. It’s not just the object I’m
painting; it’s the way I feel when I think about the object. It’s the small simple pleasures of daily life that enhance and
heighten the appreciation of our God-given senses: the play of light on color, the scent of a fresh flower. That’s why I think
“Symbols of Life” puts everyday objects in a setting that is emotional to view.

To meet my challenge, I employ a 16th century Flemish method mixed with a bit of impressionism. While creating the pieces, I
concentrate fully on the five senses and how they might best be experienced in the virtual world of two dimensions, my main goal
for the series. I hope my images will evoke for you a certain ambience, a little nostalgia, or even a bit of whimsy. With the
element of symbolism ever present, my wish is that you are inspired to explore your senses as you interpret each work for yourself.

My lifelong love of drawing and painting lead to fulfillment in study at the Minnesota River School of Fine Art in Burnsville,
Minnesota, and also the Hurinenko Paquet Studio in St. Paul. I believe artistic ability is a God-given gift, which through a desire
to learn and see beauty, can be shared with others. Pursuing artistic truth and excellence, I consider myself a perpetual student.

Karen Kersten