Karen Balos
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 ARTIST STATEMENT
 I create art in a spontaneous, fluid way, informed by years of observation and critique. I use fabric because of its sensual and emotional appeal, its feel, texture, color.  My fiber constructions reference the tradition of quiltmaking.  The cultural memories embedded in the material, the history, the intimacy evoke multiple layers of experience and meaning.
 
I begin with a blank canvas.  I make a mark.  I am filled with excitement, wondering what will emerge.  As I applique, stitch, paint and quilt in response to what I see, a conversation is sparked between these new layers and techniques and my initial markings.  More cycles of piecing, stitching and reflection both deepen this dialogue and bring out a unified work. Through this process, I aim to capture a feeling of spontaneity and dialogue in a medium that requires detailed and time consuming work. 
 
I learn, grow and communicate through a visual, non-logical process and, through the process of creation, go beyond what I know and what I think I know. And I strive to create work that opens these doors for the viewer as well. 
 
I name my work after completion.  The name does not aim to be definitive, but merely to suggest one important facet of what has emerged for me.  Many interpretations are possible, and I hope viewers will explore the multiple layers of personal meaning the work evokes for them, using my creative markings as a gateway to their own unknown.
 
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 EDUCATION
*PhD in Visual and Social Studies, California Institute of integral Studies,      San Francisco, CA 1997

*MSW, Hunter College School of Social Work, NY NY 1969
*Fiber arts, sculpture, painting, drawing, ceramics, stained glass classes at UC Berkeley, CCA, College of Marin, The Crucible, Laney, Meritt,  Studio One, CCE Studio--1969-2013--all in CA

ARTS EMPLOYMENT
*Artweek,  San Jose CA. Contributing writer, 1994-97

*Down Syndrome Connection, San  Ramon, CA. Created and directed arts program, 1994-2003

 AFFILIATIONS
*Amperand Fiber Arts Group, SF Bay Area, CA
SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Association)  National

*Nu Quilting Arts Group, SF Bay Area, CA
*Jingletown Arts and Business Community (JABC) Oakland, CA

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SOLO EXHIBITIONS

*Oakland City Hall, Oakland, CA 2013-2014
*Olive Hyde Gallery, Fremont CA 2013
*California Institute of Integral Studies, SF, CA 1994
*Axis Gallery, SF, CA 1991
*Art Here Gallery, Albany, CA 1991



SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
*Texas Quilt Museum, La Grange, TX  2016
*International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX 2016
*Jingletown Art Studios, Oakland, CA 2016
​*Metro Gallery, City Hall, Reno, NV 2016
*Flockworks Gallery, Mendocino, CA 2016
*Harrington Gallery, Pleasanton, CA 2015

​*Blue Line Arts Gallery,  Roseville, CA, 2014
 *Oakland Public Library,  Oakland,  CA
     Cesar H. Chavez Branch, 2012-present
*Napa Library, Napa CA 2014
*Roseville Library, Roseville, CA 2014
*Mill Valley Library, Mill Valley, CA, 2014 
*ARC Gallery,  San Francisco, 2012
*Landfill Art Project, Philadelphia, PA (
landfillart.org) 2012
*Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael, CA, 2011
*Palo Alto JCC, Palo Alto, CA 2010
*Alma in Manhattan, Chelsea,  NYC 2010
*Brooklyn Art Library, Brooklyn, NY 2010
*Sanchez Art Center, Pacifica,  CA 2010 
*Oshman Family JCC, Palo Alto, CA  2010
*Galeria Ajolote Arte Contemporaneo, Guadalajara, Mexico 2009 
*Galeria Z, Bratslava, Slovakia, 2009
*Galerie Kuit im Hirsch, Berlin, Germany 2009 
*Museum of Arts and Crafts, Itami, Japan, 2008 
*Zaim, Yokohama, Japan 2008
*2B  Galeria, Budapest, Hungary 2008



MUSEUM COLLECTIONS
*Judah L Magnes  Museum, Berkeley, CA, permanent collection
*Bolinas Museum, 1990-1996



  • Home
  • About the Artist
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