Karen Light
Sample Work
Artist Discipline: Visual Arts
Artist Bio
Karen Light has received a BFA in visual arts from Xavier University in 2002 and an MA in Cultural Management from City University, London in 2009. Her MA thesis research examined the potential in the arts to play a crucial component in social justice education by measuring their ability to increase the participation of young people in transforming society. In her own artwork, Karen is deeply exploring moments of truth through paint, oil pastels, images, found objects, colored pencils - whatever combination of materials inspires her at the time to make a "sculptural painting." Her experimental process is intertwined with poetry, prose, and essay both as a part of the visual pieces and as accompaniments. She has a studio/gallery in the Oak Park Arts District called Studio Light were she makes, shows, and teaches art. In addition to being a Teaching Artist, she also holds the position of Development Associate for the American Friends Service Committee, a peace and social justice organization.
As an Artivator (Artist + Activist + Educator), Karen strives to teach students more about themselves and the world through engaging, creative art-making built around issues that young people face personally and that we all face as a part society. The experiemental process she carries out in her studio is reflected in the classroom as she encourages students to try new techniques and mixtures of sometimes non-traditional art materials. Karen believes in instilling a sense of ownership in the art process that empowers students to investigate and express their own stories as a means of becoming the authors of their own lives.
Artist Statement
Light believes that evolving as a person and making art is a completely intertwined process. She considers art an empowering tool, a carrier of strong messages and a sincere inspiration to others.
Educational Philosophy
In the classroom, Light attempts to inspire a spirit of experimentation. She finds importance in experiencing all textures and layers in an art piece.