When art and nature combine, magic and mystery come together to make a masterpiece. Karen Boone uses that masterful combination for her creations, working with natural materials to create abstract paintings and sculptures inspired by her love of the outdoors. “I’m only at home on the top of a mountain,” she says.
From the time Karen was old enough to mold Play-doh and finger paint, she was drawn to art. With a master’s degree from the Basel School of Design in Switzerland, Karen began her career as a graphic designer and is now creating her own style of organic sculptures and paintings at her light-filled studio in Borden, Indiana. You’ll recognize Karen’s signature style from the Kentucky Derby posters for the years 1996, 1999, and 2015.
“Fine art has always been a note inside of me that just had to come out,” Karen says.
One thing you love about being in nature…
I always hiked and was that kid playing in the dirt. If I could be outside, then I would be. This is always who I was and where I feel the most free.
One thing you wish people knew about nature…
It’s relaxing and peaceful. The main goal of my work is to encourage people to get outside. You don’t need to be anywhere fancy, just please remember to go outside and breathe and take in the fresh air.
The best book you’ve ever read is…
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer discusses the relationship between people and the land. The way she talks about observing and protecting nature — it’s a fabulous book. And also, Finding The Mother Tree by Suzanne Simard — another excellent book and more of a biography about her life as a scientist and how the trees actually talk to one another.
Your hobbies are…
Taking care of the land I live on and gardening are very important to me. We have 10 acres, and I can look out onto the pond and the forest and it’s stunning. I also love hiking and backpacking.
One thing you’ve learned over the years that is true….
Living with intensity and intent every day is important. Look for the beauty in your life and lean into nature and your family during hardships. You can get through almost anything with that attitude.
One thing you can’t get the knack of…
Learning how to redirect from perfectionism. It’s hard for me to put the burden down for a minute with things like letting the house go. When I come into the studio, I have to be loose, and putting down my mental load can be challenging. That’s something I need to work on.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Nature and my family. My husband and son are very supportive of me. And my sister, before she passed, was a huge inspiration. I started a new career with my art, and she wasn’t even here to see it.
Your favorite weekend activity is…
To go hiking, backpacking, and gardening. Basically, being outside. And now, we’re biking before breakfast. This is a new thing because we can’t run as much anymore, and it’s less impact on our bodies.
By Tonilyn Hornung | Photos submitted by Karen
P.S. Here is another inspirational story you’ll enjoy.
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