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by Karen Stamper

I am an established collage artist based in Cambridge. My signature work consists of vibrant, bold colours with strong architectural shapes and patterns. I take my inspiration from archways, doorways, weathered walls, decorative motifs and lettering of foreign lands.

I was born in Yorkshire. I attended Art College in Bradford then headed south - always with my sketchbook - to far sunnier countries, eventually settling in New Zealand before returning to the UK. My work is very much influenced by my travels, particularly around the Mediterranean, Morocco and India. 

Back in my studio, using my sketches, my collection of papers and photographs; I start to build a composition combining these with layers of painted tissue to create an integrated collage surface. Some paper  remain visible while others are transformed with transparent tissue layers. This leaves the viewer with glimpses of colour and texture of a previous time. 

I simplify and flatten space, recompose, conceal and reveal, deliberately avoiding representational clarity. It is a controlled yet intuitive development that allows me a huge amount of freedom to interpret my sketches in a bold and original way. My current work is moving more towards semi abstract but still with recognisable views

I have participated in many group shows and solo exhibitions.Through participation in Cambridge Open Studios the demand for my work has grown steadily, with regular sales to a wide variety of clients. My work has been published as book covers, advertising, magazine editorial work and greetings cards.Cambridge Open Studios
July 6-7th  13th - 14th