Karen Lorenz Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom

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My work as an artist is versatile, I make artist books, animations, draw, occasionally I paint (though I ’m not a painter). Experimental animation has become more prominent in the past few months. I also work with sound and interactive digital media, using specific computer software such as MaxMsp and Arduino to bring some magic into the world.

I have always been interested in science and philosophy that ventures beyond the prevailing notion of deductive reasoning, a predominantly western modus operandi based on logic, analysis, and separation. Inspired by indigenous cultures and scientists who urge us to adopt the holistic philosophy of life and conception of the world taught by non-western philosophy, I regard nature as being alive and interconnected. James Hillman speaks of natural systems having something that animates organisms of all complexities, that geographic features, plants, rocks, water, etc have a soul, consciousness, an inner life. The human predisposition to animism, negotiating thoughts and insights, intuitive knowing about ‘The Other’, the viewer, the observer, the participant, has always been the primary concern that underpins my practice. It’s also about projection and how we can learn from what comes to the surface. With a degree BA (Hons) in Devised Theatre and a multidisciplinary background (ceramic, sculpture, drawing, painting, creating artist books, and animation) I have come to embrace digital technologies in recent years. My focus on time-based media and delivering a viewer experience through interactive animation and objects has led to interesting conversations with viewers and engagements I had not experienced to the same extent before when making autonomous objects. Creating new, engaging, and surprising work lies at the heart of everything I do.