Karen Ridley Textile Artist

m family that sewed and painted, to studying art throughout school. Karen has studied with many painting and textile artists; and is always researching and learning new techniques and skills. Previously, Karen has created, exhibited, and sold ceramic sculpture, and owned a bridal and vintage bag business. Professionally Karen was a Nurse and Case Manager for many years, and this has impacted the development of her art, which often reflects the fragility of life, both for people and nature. This can be seen in her images of nature, reflecting the feelings and emotions that nature can evoke in people; inspiring the belief that, as nature cycles through the seasons, so do our lives. Karen teaches workshops in Powertex and Mindful Slow Stitch and loves to upcycle and repurpose found treasures into art works, where they are reimagined into something new. Karen’s art works are owned in private collections in Australia and Europe. Karen is an Artist Member of Yarra Valley Arts in Healesville, and ATASDA, The Australian Textile and Mixed Media Association in Victoria.