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ARTIST BIO

Karen Couillard

Born in 1965 on Canada’s East Coast, Karen Couillard’s journey as a visual artist commenced with an innate fascination for vibrant colours and shapes during her childhood, sparking a passion that would shape her destiny as an artist, weaving narratives through her artwork.

Karen’s artistic exploration began at the age of two where she remembers stumbling upon her father’s oil paintings drying on the back of the sofa. The vivid colours captivated her, leading to her first venture into finger painting, albeit at the expense of her father’s masterpiece and sofa.

As a young adult, she found herself surrounded by plain walls adorned with vintage prints she had uncovered at rummage sales. Lacking the means for genuine art, she transformed these prints with her own art, catching the eye of Montreal’s Interior Designer Sandra Baron. Sandra’s belief catapulted Karen’s work into the spotlight, earning her a feature in the popular magazine “Decoration Chez-Soi.”

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By 1998, Karen gained recognition as one of Canada’s most promising emerging talents, with the prestigious Liss Gallery acquiring her work in 2002. The debut solo exhibition, “Fabulously Groovy,” marked a significant milestone, with the majority of the collection finding new homes.

In 2006, a new chapter unfolded with the birth of the “Groovy Arts” brand, Karen’s entrepreneurial venture that expanded beyond traditional canvases to include a diverse array of giftware and home décor items. This period saw her art reaching a wider audience, leaving a lasting impression on her artistic journey.

As time progressed, Karen’s pursuits evolved, and “Groovy Arts” became a cherished chapter in her career. Today based out of Toronto, she continues to create and share her art, with “Groovy Arts” serving as a testament to her ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary through art.

After temporarily stepping away from her artist career in 2012, Karen embarked on a profound journey of artistic and personal growth during her hiatus. Exploring new horizons, refining her skills, and experimenting with various techniques were all integral to reaching new heights. Now, armed with a fresh, distinctive art style, she is poised for a remarkable comeback.

“As I re-enter the art scene, I carry the lessons learned and the passion that has fuelled my creative spirit. With gratitude for the past and excitement for the future, I am eager to captivate audiences once more with my unique storytelling through art. The journey has been a testament to the transformative power of creativity, and I look forward to the chapters yet to unfold.“

Her journey extended to renowned art scenes globally, with exhibitions in Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Montreal, and Palm Springs. Media recognition followed, with appearances on shows like “CityLine,” “Panorama,” “CH Morning Live,” “News 4,” and “Channel 3 News.” Print features in publications such as “The Toronto Star,” “The Hamilton Spectator,” “West of the City,” “Art World News,” “Le Madawaska,” “The Globe and Mail,” and “Décoration Chez-Soi” showcased Karen’s creations, inspiring art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

All artworks are subject to availability.

About the Collection

“Echoes of Mother Nature” – Karen Couillard, a Toronto-based painter and concerned mother, channels her anxieties about climate change into her new abstract series of paintings. Through mixed media and symbolic colour choices, she captures nature’s elements and the profound human responses to environmental shifts—eco-anxiety, grief, denial, hope. Her work offers a space for viewers to confront the complex internal emotions stirred by the climate crisis, engaging conversations about our collective future.

About the Collection

The “Chic-A-Boom Snapshot Fusion” art collection transcends fashion, serving as a vibrant celebration of the strength, individuality and self-expression of women. Each painting is a powerful fusion of style and empowerment, capturing dynamic moments that embody the essence of confident, independent women navigating the diverse tapestry of life. It’s not just about the chic; it’s a visual anthem of women embracing power and grace in every snapshot.”

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