Magnolias by Karen Sikie Paper Mosaic Studio Collage

Nature’s infinite array of beautiful forms, and patterns are my muse. It’s feast for the eyes is an invitation to dwell on the surface but ultimately a distraction for deeper themes such as; energy, movement and the flow of life and death as the natural cycles of nature. These ideas are the underpinning of my work. The Human figure I also consider a part of the natural world. Mapping a face is as unique as a snowflake. Paper Mosaics, is essentially a highly specialized form of collage, I use all types of decorative and recycled papers. Often, I will subdue the patterns on the papers with a wash of paint so it steps into the back ground, only to be realized upon closer inspection. I then meticulously hand cut the paper and apply it to a drawing that has been applied to a panel and acts like a map, the structure from which the collage will emerge, piece by piece like a mosaic the image emerges. Shapes, forms and patterns are my language. I hope my work serves as reminder that we are all connected to each other and the Nature, and just like my Paper Mosaics, each piece of paper that is cut to a specific shape is utterly unique and different yet essential to the whole.