The hand-printed collage papers in Karen Wharton's paintings have interesting “first lives” as individual, unique displays of colors and patterns. The papers have an even more interesting “second act” when she shapes and arranges them, sometimes adding and removing paint, to reflect the beauty she experiences in the world.

The rhythms of circles captivate Karen. Natural round shapes like bubbles, seeds and tree rings surround us, as well as invisible circular systems—rainfall and evaporation, growth and decomposition and growth again.

After a 35-year career as an eye doctor, Karen Wharton turned to art with glee. Her own “Act One” focused on helping people see the beauty around them. In her “Act Two,” she wants her art to contribute to that beauty, in our homes and workplaces and public spaces. She hopes her art makes you happy to be here, alive!

In Act One of Debra Livingston's artistic life, she was a printmaker. She created etchings, monotypes and monoprints using oil-based inks on 100% rag paper with the use of an etching press. Monoprints and monotypes are both unique works of art. Many of her monoprints were printed with zinc etching plates or stencils, varying the colors and textures each time. Her monotypes were created on a blank plexiglass plate, so none of the elements were reproducible.

Says Debra, "I have come to the point in my life where I don’t want to add more “stuff”. I have over 40 years of prints and I don’t feel the need to make more. In ACT TWO my artistic goal is to repurpose these prints into new works of art."

She brought many of her old etchings and monotypes to life drawing sessions. Using watercolor crayons, she drew the figure over the prints. She then worked to meld them together to create a new piece of art. She also brought prints to an encaustic workshop. The colored wax layered over them created a whole new surface.

Debra has always enjoyed creating handmade books. The accordion fold format is one of her favorites, because it can be seen as separate pages or as one continuous image. The book Etching Covers, is included in this exhibition to show how the monoprints collaged in this book originated. This same accordion fold was used to add 3 dimensions to her collaged prints. The colors change slightly when seen from different angles.

Banner Image: Karn Wharton, “Osmosis 2.” Acrylic and hand painted paper on paper; 16 x 20.