We were lucky to catch up with Karen Watson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Karen, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

In my lifetime of being a visual artist, writer, and poet, I have had many projects that are deeply meaningful to me. I  am grateful and excited to pair my haiku poetry with my fine art photography. Pairing of images and haiku is often  called haiga. Pairing enables me to combine two forms of expression into one offering. 

For me, part of the beauty and satisfaction of creating art is to share it, to offer it to others and to the world with the  intention of making an authentic connection that is meaningful, positive, loving, and non-judgmental. 

I am drawn to the simplicity and brevity of haiku poetry. Haiku is traditionally a 3 line poem consisting of five syllables,  seven syllables, and five syllables. It challenges me to be present and focused on the moment and to distill my  thoughts into the simplest state. I find solace and value in simplicity while letting go of the constant surge  of loud noise and information. 

Haiku cards will soon be available for purchase on the Watson & Holton Arts website. Watson & Holton Arts is a new  venture/adventure of collaborations with my husband, Peter Holton. We plan to activate the web site in May. 

watsonandholtonarts.com 

My haiga is available as beautiful pigment prints on art paper. A book is in the works.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was deeply influenced and inspired by my father Robert L. Bendick and my mother, Jeannie Bendick. Growing up as the child of two highly creative and innovative parents, I was always encouraged to pursue a life as an artist.

My father had a remarkable career as one of the first cameramen in television. He worked alongside Edward R. Murrow at CBS and later produced the Today Show with Dave Garroway for several years. He also collaborated on the first Cinerama movies with Merian C. Cooper, the creator of the original classic film King Kong. Our family had a unique lifestyle, moving between California and New York multiple times depending on my father’s projects in television and film.

On the other hand, my mother, Jeanne Bendick, left a significant impact with her work as a writer and illustrator. She authored and illustrated over 100 science books for children, demonstrating her foresight and sharing her visions with young minds through captivating books filled with wonder and curiosity.

My artist bio provides a comprehensive background that delves into what holds significance and meaning for me. I’ve been actively working as an artist for over four decades, exploring mixed media collages, assemblages, furniture, and fine art photography. My expertise as an editorial illustrator has garnered awards, and I often utilize my photography and collages to create illustrations for various publications.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with esteemed clients such as The Atlantic, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and many more. I am associated with several art associations and groups, contributing to juried exhibitions, national shows, and private collections. Currently based in Rockport, Massachusetts, I collaborate with my husband, Peter Holton, on numerous projects and our new venture, Watson & Holton Arts.

In a recent interview with the Rockport Art Association & Museum’s Gallery Gazette Publication, I discussed my artistic inspiration, ideal working environment, continuous development of art skills, and the emotional attachment to my creations. My art journey has been shaped by deliberate listening, observing nature’s beauty, and connecting with authenticity. I thrive in a serene working space, seeking inspiration from music and engaging with diverse artistic expressions to nurture my creativity. While I don’t struggle to part with my art, I find fulfillment when others connect with and appreciate my work, whether it’s in newspapers or exhibited in galleries.

I find my artistic inspiration through attentive listening, keen observation, and meaningful connections. I strive to approach my surroundings with openness and without judgment, drawing inspiration from the beauty and resilience of nature across its various cycles. Kindness, love, and a sense of responsibility to address hatred, violence, and injustice also deeply inspire my creative process.

My ideal working environment is one that fosters a metaphorical silent space, allowing me to connect with my most authentic self. Despite the noise and information overload in today’s world, I seek moments of stillness where I can channel my creativity. Music, in its diverse forms, helps me clear my mind and delve into the challenging yet rewarding process of artistic creation.

To continue developing my art skills, I maintain an active and open mindset, always hungry for curiosity and experimentation. Interacting with fellow artists, both past and present, exposes me to a wide range of perspectives and techniques, fueling my own artistic growth. I avoid comparing my work to others, recognizing the unique value in every artist’s journey.

Letting go of a piece I’ve created isn’t difficult for me. While the creation process leaves a lasting impact, I find joy when others connect with my art and choose to incorporate it into their lives.

For aspiring artists, I offer words of encouragement. Embrace vulnerability and stay true to your creative voice. Despite criticism or judgment from others, persevere in seeking your own truth and beauty. Cultivate gratitude for the gift of creation and the opportunity to express yourself through art.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During my time as an editorial illustrator, the industry was dominated by print media. Everything from newspapers and magazines to books and brochures relied on printed images and text. As an illustrator specializing in collages, each piece I created was meticulously hand-cut and glued, tailored to the specific needs of individual clients. Back then, we typically sold the copyright for one-time use, retaining ownership of the original artwork and our artistic rights. As the head of the Graphic Artist Guild Illustrators Group in Boston, I advocated for our rights as artists.

Then came the digital revolution with the advent of computers. Stock art and photography emerged as cheaper and faster alternatives for publication, challenging the traditional methods of buying and using art. The transition to digital formats was swift, driven by the convenience and flexibility offered by software like Photoshop.

However, I found myself at a crossroads. While digital tools provided new possibilities, they also stripped away the tactile nature of my collages—the layers, textures, and dimensions that defined my work. I experimented with MIT’s Lightspeed facilities, using early versions of Photoshop to illustrate books digitally. Yet, I realized that this wasn’t the direction I wanted for my art. I missed the hands-on approach and the physicality of working with materials beyond a screen.

So, I pivoted. I started creating collages on repurposed furniture—tables, chairs, mirrors—infusing personal narratives into each piece. These were not just artworks but celebrations of life, memories, and special moments for my clients.

Embracing change, I forged a new path for myself and my art, finding resilience in adapting to evolving technologies while staying true to the essence of my creative process.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I am humbled and inspired by the beauty, power, and mystery of nature, including human nature, in all its cycles. My  work strives to be mindful of the moment, appreciative of life and the passing of time. I seek beauty and truth of all  sorts, and work at cultivating a life of gratitude and kindness. My body of work includes photography, collage, mixed  media, drawing, and writing, particularly haiku, which I pair with my fine art photography. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.karenwatsonfineart.com
• Instagram: @karenwatson0424
• Other: Coming in May…Peter and my collaborative venture… watsonandholtonarts.com