We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karin Tuck Dynner Petersen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karin Tuck below.

Karin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I have always known I was going to take a creative path. I wasn’t sure what Avenue I would take to get there, but I do realize that after all of the stories, journeys and paths that I’ve taken, this is the one that makes the most sense for me. I like where I’ve landed. I’m raising a family, and that’s a lifelong commitment and contribution. I am at the stage where I can be inspired enough to create the work that I’ve been itching to create for years. I have the time and accessibility to put a finished product out there that I’m proud of. I want my art to speak for itself and through me. I knew I was ready when I could call myself an artist.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Art has always been an integral part of my life. As a child, I would draw and paint constantly. I went to art school to major in ceramics, but moved to London to cast bronze sculptures in a foundry. I then went back to Los Angeles, where I embraced my love of textiles, blending woodwork, bronze, and fabric.
After graduation, I moved to Boston to get a “real job” and support myself, never thinking art would be able to be a primary income.
I was lucky enough to find a life partner to move around the country with and raise my children. He has always been an enthusiastic appreciator of my artwork. I learned the art of quilt making from a moms play group, and went off the rails with that skill, engaging in my own freeform art direction. I rejected the rigidity of historic quilting and created my own art quilts. The idea took off.
After years of experimenting, I came up with my own way of creating art with textiles and thread. Fiber art was an avenue to separate myself from a basic painting, because of the materials themselves. I took photos of nature and travels, to transport them onto fabric in an improvised fashion. I use fabric and thread to create images or scenes from realistic images or meditations.
My journey is never ending, and I’m excited to share my visions with the viewer.  I rejected the rigidity of pattern quilting, while appreciating and honoring the history of quilt making.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Most of my textiles are recycled and reused in my artwork. Most of my pieces are environmentally centered, exploring the importance and interest in nature. As an artist, I’d love for my work to inspire others to explore and create using recycled materials and understand the need to preserve and protect the environment.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My pivot is apparent and realistic. As I’ve always retained my love for art and making art, the pause can be just as invigorating as an ignition. As I built a family, I had to put my dreams on hold for other dreams. That never meant I gave up or had to drown a part of myself. It simply gave me more time to think and grow. I have so much more to give as an artist, now that I’ve embraced a part of life as a gift. I have a creative and concise direction and meaning for my art, instead of making “art for art sake”. My interest for bringing peace and tranquility into people’s vision, while holding an interest for the environment and purpose resides in my work. Without the past, it’s impossible to grow towards the future.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @tucksews