Karen-lisa Forbes

Bemidji, MN

 

Karen-lisa Forbes

Knotting Artist

Artist Statement:

In the four years since that first class I have produced nine pieces of fine art which have been shown at two group shows. My knotted jewelry is on display and for sale at Shannon’s Art and Soul in Bemidji, MN and at the Lanesboro Art Center in Lanesboro, MN where I am a juried artist. Two commissioned works are in the process and upon completion will be sent for display in Great Britain. A third commissioned piece will be included as part of John Bauer’s traveling multimedia art exhibit “What’s Left” – Creating a proactive dialogue on suicide and mental illness.

Best described as organic in nature my style falls under the category of Impressionist/Abstractionism; I prefer a less fancy title of “knotted nature looking stuff.” My knotting is often mistaken for beadwork because the knots are so small and so close together.  Inspiration for my designs comes from a deep love of the natural world in Northern Minnesota. Fascinated with the geometry and symmetry, chaos and order found in nature, my eye seeks out and draws me to small details and the discovery of the extraordinary in the ordinary. I admire the works of Frank Lloyd Wright, Piet Mondrian, Georgia O’Keefe, Franz Marc and Lawren Harris from Canadian Group of Seven. You find their influences in my work.

Throughout my life I have worked extensively with many types of fiber – knitting, hand-spinning with drop spindles and spinning wheel, Hardanger embroidery, pine needle basketry, quilting, finger weaving and fabric post cards.  While I have loved each of these disciplines none truly felt like my mine. After that first knotting class everything changed. Cavandoli knotting is my art form.

Listen to Karen’s interview on KAXE-FM

 

Contact Karen

10 + 9 =