Artist Profile: Karen Rips

Karen Rips

Thousand Oaks, CA

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have?  I  have to confess, I thought of the piece I wanted to make first, then tried to figure out how to make the theme "rituals" fit the work. I knew that by doing something repetitive I could tie it in easily.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects?  I usually donate a piece to the SAQA auction each year

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  name/where  what is the best part of being part of an art group?  I belong to a local art quilt group of eight women.  We meet monthly at each others houses over dinner.  The best part for me is the level of comfort we have with each other that makes it possible to share anything.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?  I am a Professional Artist Member of SAQA and a member of SDA. I have volunteered at the SAQA booth at various venues.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  name 5 and your least favorite colors?  name 5  Right now my favorite palette is black/white.  I can only think of one least favorite color, which is pink. My favorites are any other color, starting with blue.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  are you messy or tidy?   Big, light filled, colorful, usually a bit chaotic.

7.  What is your creative process?  think, draw, design, make or right to the design?  Once I come up with an idea I turn it over in my mind for several days, working out design problems, color ideas, and possible road blocks.  Occasionally I'll sketch something out or write notes.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why?  I love basic shapes such as circles, ovals and squares.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?  My favorite artist for some time has been Joan Snyder, a printmaker and painter.  Her colorful abstracts inspire me to work harder at what I do.

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles?  I am co author (with eleven others) of the book "Twelve by Twelve, The International Art Quilt Challenge"

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life?  I make art full time, in my studio five to six hours a day, except when traveling.  I need the discipline of daily work.

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?  I don't know if it's news, but the body imaging project I'm working on with my friend Paula Chung is keeping me excited and anxious to get into the studio every day.  http://aviewwithin.wordpress.com/

fiberartmusings.blogspot.com

www.karenrips.com