“A Day in the Life” of Multi Discipline Artist Karen Scarlett

July 8, 2020 Jessica da Cunha Arts, Visual Arts

Karen Scarlett grew up fifth generation on the family dairy farm west of Innisfail, Alberta. She has made art her entire life. The “Queens of the dairy” held a royal spot on the farm and took up much of the energy of the Scarlett family existence. It was a great life.

Creating has been a lifelong adventure and an important part of life for Karen. Art was practiced with Grandma Scarlett where she learned and important lesson – try everything. A love of power tools and creative design were honed with her Dad while hand-craft, sewing and creating with a sense of perfection were inspired by her Mom.
Karen takes her biggest inspiration from her love, Doug. They live in Calgary, Alberta where Karen works from her home studio.

Recently, Karen obtained a commission for 150 pieces of art to be installed in the Royal Palm Hotel and Resort in Miami, Florida. It was thrilling to receive this international recognition. You can find Karen’s work in private, corporate and commercial collections across North America and in various spots around the globe.

 

Karen I tell everyone I am a farm kid, because I am. I grew up on a dairy farm, west of Innisfail, Alberta.
I tell everyone I am a farm kid, because I am. I grew up on a dairy farm, west of Innisfail, Alberta.
Because this garage door was so huge,
This garage door mural was commissioned by dog loving clients in Sunnyside, Calgary. They only knew that they were passionate that their mural needed to engage the community yet describe who they are. Because this garage door was so huge,I recommended a chalkboard with a mural above. 
Over the past ten years, I have worked with Calgary Reads creating all kinds of wonderful things.
Over the past ten years, I have worked with Calgary Reads creating all kinds of wonderful things. This image is from the itsy-bitsy, teeny-tiny, Little Free Library for Discovery House.
Karen Here I am with Little Free Libraries founder, Todd Boll at an event when Calgary Reads became the Canadian hub for Little Free Libraries.
Here I am with Little Free Libraries founder, Todd Boll at an event when Calgary Reads became the Canadian hub for Little Free Libraries.
Another space designed in conjunction with Calgary Reads.
Richmond School: Another space designed in conjunction with Calgary Reads.
Colour of the Harvest: Located at 4th Street and 20 Avenue NW Calgary, Alberta.
Colour of the Harvest: Located at 4th Street and 20 Avenue NW Calgary, Alberta.
Karen A painted paddle for Olympic hopeful Haley Daniels, for her painted paddle fundraiser.
A painted paddle for Olympic hopeful Haley Daniels, for her painted paddle fundraiser.
I do many live demonstrations at all kinds of open houses and events.
I do many live demonstrations at all kinds of open houses and events. Here I am on the front veranda of Lineham House Galleries, Okotoks.  
Karen I have a regular gig at Swinton’s Art Supply and Instruction. I generally teach an introductory class to watercolour painting as well as Introduction to Mixed Media.
I have a regular gig at Swinton’s Art Supply and Instruction. I generally teach an introductory class to watercolour painting as well as Introduction to Mixed Media.
Karen In 2018 I was invited to show my work at the Carstairs Museum as they celebrated my family's roots by building a replica of the first building in the Carstairs area, The Scarlett Stopping House, built by my grandfather Jim Scarlett and his brother Sam.
In 2018, I was invited to show my work at the Carstairs Museum as they celebrated my family’s roots by building a replica of the first building in the Carstairs area, The Scarlett Stopping House, built by my grandfather Jim Scarlett and his brother Sam.
Here I am with my Love, Doug Symington, far off in the distance and our nephew Symon beside me. We just finished setting up my solo art exhibit, “From The Scarlett Stopping House”
Here I am with my Love, Doug Symington, far off in the distance and our nephew Symon beside me. We just finished setting up my solo art exhibit, “From The Scarlett Stopping House”
Last year, I started a podcast. You can find the interviews on my website atHere I am with fellow Calgary artist, Billie Ray Busby.
Last year, I started a podcast. You can find the interviews on my website. Here I am with fellow Calgary artist, Billie Ray Busby.
Karen and Doug
Doug is my favourite person. We have been together for over 10 years.

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What ‘hood are you in?

I just recently moved into Inglewood and am doing a year long residency at The Children’s Reading Place through Calgary Reads. The house is magical. To find out more about this wonderful house located in one of the best communities in Canada, visit here!

What do you do?

I am a multi discipline artist. My practice has a large range. I create pieces ranging from tiny to large scale murals. I work in lots of mediums from watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, sculpture – including chicken wire sculpture. Fibre, clay, wood and jewelry are also mediums I play in too. In one of my former lives I was an interior designer and so I have also been designing and creating reading spaces with and for Calgary Reads and Agencies and schools within Calgary.

What are you currently working on?

Besides the tiny masterpieces, currently I have a number of projects on the go. Today I will be painting a reading tent in the sun using a sun activated solar dye for Calgary Reads. Tomorrow I will be sanding down and painting a metal cow for a private client. This week I am also painting a pair of ceramic boots for the Calgary Food Bank Fundraiser and I also will be building some wood frames for three mixed media commissions. In my spare time, I knit, sew and I like to get my fingers dirty in the garden.

Where can we find your work?

I currently have quite a few pieces to view/purchase at The Happiness Experience Centre (brought to you by The Dose of Happiness) 3rd floor Bankers Hall. I also have lots to see/purchase on my website and I usually post most of my current works and inspirations on my Instagram account.