Karen Fogarty

Shared Spaces: A Series of Works On Paper

My work always begins with simple observation. What is going on around me? Who has a story to tell? Do I feel enough affinity for the subject to successfully interpret the story? Observation inevitably leads to attraction, attraction hopefully to attachment and attachment to involvement.

Structures, houses and neighborhoods have wonderful character. They wear the mark of time and season. The subject matter is a testament to both the past and the future. I try to capture that mark in my drawings.

I combine charcoal and graphite to create a simple, straightforward image. Graphite produces the detail that I am looking for, while charcoal allows for the depth of value that I need. The effect is strong composition based on intense value shifts and interesting, varied texture.

This series of drawings continues to hold my attention. I plan to become even more involved in the use of texture as a metaphor for both the passage of time and the environment in which the subject exists.

Finally though, it is always the process of creating that gives such meaning to my life. I cannot imagine a day without art.