THE ARTIST SPHERE
Karlee Rawkins in a Metaphorical Natural World
As a child , Australian artist , Karlee Rawkins , spent most of her time drawing and painting . She always felt like an artist , or at least was artistic by soul . At the end of her high school studies , Karlee had an opportunity to turn her passion for art into a profession by pursuing art studying a Bachelor of Visual Art at the Southern Cross University , Lismore NSW .
Early encouragement from her peers and recognition for the quality of her art pieces , were consolidating factors in her resolve to pursue a career as an artist . Another pivotal moment on her artistic journey was obtaining The Brett Whiteley Travelling Scholarship in 2003 , which included a 5 month residency at Cité Internationale des Arts , Paris , France . From there , she embarked on a journey of travel , learning , and exploring through Europe , New York , and several destinations in Asia . Armed with time , energy , and passion for the arts , Karlee developed a distinctive style which is inspired by her experience of the world . The diversity of the people she encountered , the symbolism of the cultures she explored , and the overwhelming force surrounding her : Nature .
Using distorted form and anatomy , Karlee ’ s work intends to suggest rather than to portray the subject . An invitation to be creative , to be yourself and make your own meaning of what you see . For Karlee , her art is a two-way street on the highway of perception ; on one hand , it includes a message from the artist and on the other , the interpretation of the viewer derived from their own personal experience . This drive to celebrate individualism and uniqueness is greatly inspired by her son who , having Down syndrome and a very unique perception of life , taught her how to have a different outlook on the world around us and how to be honest and unfiltered with oneself . This is a lesson Karlee shares with the world through metaphorical and archetypal imagery .
Golden Pheasant , The Painted Bird , 167cm x 213cm
Reinforcing this concept of shifted perspective , Karlee is currently working on refining her skills of layering and her ability to offer a different view with a “ pocket ” or “ window ” within her art . Inspiring a contrast in meaning , an “ invitation ” to challenge your perception and make meaning though different optics .
Karlee ’ s work is a manifestation of who she is and the result is a vibrant , metaphorical natural world of her own . When asked what message she wanted her art to communicate to people , Karlee shared :
“ I feel that my art is an invitation to see differently , to embrace diversity and authenticity . I want it to be a symbol of power to individuals , to see joy in honest emotions , a celebration , and a permission to be yourself ; to be different .”
Karlee will be featured at the Yam Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery between 14 December 2023 and 4 February 2024 . For further info , scan the QR code at the bottom right corner of this page .
Drifting Away , acrylic and charcoal on cotton canvas , 137 x 210cm
Karlee Rawkins is represented in Western Australia by Linton & Kay Galleries .