Page 20 - The Enso Circle Exhibition Catalog, Spring 2023

About KAREN MURPHY

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The beginning of what would later become a love affair with glass art started at an
Artist & early age for me when my father taught me to solder. The ability of using heat to
the transform a solid piece of lead into a liquified form fascinated me.

Work Learning that the same principle could be applied to glass to manipulate its shape, led
me on a journey of discovery into the world of glass fusing.
I explore the integration of technical processes with artistic expression, to create
unique and captivating glass sculptures. Incorporation fused glass layers into my
designs adds a dimensional quality and visual interest.

My most recent series “Through the Female Face”, is a study of the expressions of
female faces and how they might offer a glimpse into the life of these women. With the
use of color, composition and various mixed media, I strive to create an interpretive
story for the viewer.

I start by stenciling powdered glass onto sheet glass and fire it in a kiln. Firing
separate, added layers of glass and composing them into the final piece gives more
insight into their lives.

“Numb”
A woman is holding onto the last shred of her former life, a letter. She’s now stuck
in circumstances beyond her control that have stripped away any semblance of her
former life.

Where she came from and how she got here is in the eyes of the viewer.

“No Apologies”

The friend that’s always fun to be with. She may go overboard on occasion, but you
love her all the more for it. Always the life of the party, she makes the most of every
day.

You know her.

“I’m Crushed”
Disappointment so deep...tears come down like a waterfall.

We’ve all been her

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