ABOUT THE ARTIST
About the Artist:
Karen Lauseng, is an internationally recognized New Mexico artist
residing in Silver City. Karen grew up in Watertown, SD where she
says she "developed a strong work ethic and great appreciation for
mild weather." Karen's mother was an expert seamstress who
taught her to knit, sew, crochet, and embroider. With little money
to spare in a family of 7, Lauseng learned at an early age the art of
being thrifty. During her childhood, she developed the qualities of
a true pack rat, and is very proud of the bargains she finds at local
garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, etc. Karen's current work
demonstrates her flair for seeing the beauty in common household
items.
Lauseng's work has been showcased in numerous international
publications by Lark Books. Magazines featuring her work include:
Lapidary Journal-Jewelry Artist; Art Jewelry; The Crafts Report; and
Creative Home Arts.
Karen Lauseng, is an internationally recognized New Mexico artist
residing in Silver City. Karen grew up in Watertown, SD where she
says she "developed a strong work ethic and great appreciation for
mild weather." Karen's mother was an expert seamstress who
taught her to knit, sew, crochet, and embroider. With little money
to spare in a family of 7, Lauseng learned at an early age the art of
being thrifty. During her childhood, she developed the qualities of
a true pack rat, and is very proud of the bargains she finds at local
garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, etc. Karen's current work
demonstrates her flair for seeing the beauty in common household
items.
Lauseng's work has been showcased in numerous international
publications by Lark Books. Magazines featuring her work include:
Lapidary Journal-Jewelry Artist; Art Jewelry; The Crafts Report; and
Creative Home Arts.
Education has played a significant role in Lauseng's life. She received her degrees from Kansas
State University which include:
Karen studied studio art with over fifteen distinguished artists including Elliott Pujol, Heikki Seppa,
Chuck Evans, Helen Shirk, Thomas Mann, Marjorie Schick, Deb Stoner, Kate Wagle, Christine Clark
and Nelda Getty. Lauseng has taught: Three Dimensional Design, Two Dimensional Design, Art
Appreciation, Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making and Art for Elementary Education (Art Methods) at the
college level.
State University which include:
Karen studied studio art with over fifteen distinguished artists including Elliott Pujol, Heikki Seppa,
Chuck Evans, Helen Shirk, Thomas Mann, Marjorie Schick, Deb Stoner, Kate Wagle, Christine Clark
and Nelda Getty. Lauseng has taught: Three Dimensional Design, Two Dimensional Design, Art
Appreciation, Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making and Art for Elementary Education (Art Methods) at the
college level.
Artist Statement:
Design to me is an adventure. I find the beauty of the craft in its individuality. When designing a piece, I
begin with an idea and allow the materials to dictate the end result. Each piece evolves during the
working process and records my personal experiences.
Inspiration for my work is drawn from travel, nature, spiritual readings, and daily life. My current work
focuses on the beauty found in common household items. Materials such as paper clips, bobby pins,
toothpicks, cotton swabs, soda straws, cookie cutters, or sewing snaps, have been used to fashion
jewelry that is functional and fun to wear. Jewelry made from orange juice caps, fishing swivels,
ear-plugs, tin foil, and plastic garbage bags will be coming soon. Check out the JUST FOR FUN section
in THE Gallery for some examples.
Design to me is an adventure. I find the beauty of the craft in its individuality. When designing a piece, I
begin with an idea and allow the materials to dictate the end result. Each piece evolves during the
working process and records my personal experiences.
Inspiration for my work is drawn from travel, nature, spiritual readings, and daily life. My current work
focuses on the beauty found in common household items. Materials such as paper clips, bobby pins,
toothpicks, cotton swabs, soda straws, cookie cutters, or sewing snaps, have been used to fashion
jewelry that is functional and fun to wear. Jewelry made from orange juice caps, fishing swivels,
ear-plugs, tin foil, and plastic garbage bags will be coming soon. Check out the JUST FOR FUN section
in THE Gallery for some examples.
Exhibitions of her work have been extensive, including solo exhibitions, juried regional and
national venues, faculty and group exhibitions and galleries.
national venues, faculty and group exhibitions and galleries.
MFA
BFA
BS
BFA
BS
Metalsmithing and Jewelry
Metalsmithing and Jewelry
Economics
Metalsmithing and Jewelry
Economics
©2010 KJ artworks All Rights Reserved
