Karen French – artist/designer 

 

Karen, originally from Australia, moved to her husband’s hometown of Ilfracombe over 20 years ago & has enjoyed raising her family in beautiful North Devon.  A self-taught artist she has always loved cartooning which is evident in her quirky design style.  Having had a previous career as a geologist, she can’t help being captivated by the rugged local coastline & you will notice that rocky outcrops often feature in her work!  She travels widely & has been influenced by the many forms of art seen on her trips, from urban murals to tribal bark paintings, adopting a distinctive use of bright colours & bold lines.

 

Karen has recently moved from more traditional printmaking methods to digital based art, created using an iPad & other software.  She also enjoys surface pattern design & uses her original, unique fabrics to create a variety of bespoke homewares.