Karen Markham Art

How did Karen Markham Art get started?

After a number of years away from art to bring up my children, I took myself off to college (foundation diploma in art and design) then university (fine art degree) and the spark of creativity was once again ignited. Fast forward to now and, when I'm not doing the day job, I'm usually found creating in my outdoor studio space.

I have done everything from drawing semi realistic wildlife (which I still love to do, if I have time) to my more recent work that is dotting. Buying a few shop bought items at the end of 2024, I decided to make gifts for friends, and that was it, I was hooked. Fast forward to now and I hand cast items from silicone moulds before drying and decorating them. I feel that if you have that creative spark, the medium itself doesn't matter. What matters is expressing yourself via the world of art, design and craft.

A bit about where your lovely purchases are coming from

I started my creating sat on the sofa. When my youngest child moved out, I moved my art into his bedroom. In 2021 we moved house, and with no suitable space for my art materials I had a custom built summer house, or 'Drawing Room', built in the garden. Still very much a work in progress, it will be my haven and sanctuary, and where, hopefully, the creativity will flow, all while listening to my audible books on my Echo Dot!

After lockdown I needed my mind to be occupied while I created, and listening to a novel or factual piece, works best for me. One wall is papered in brightly coloured lemur and hummingbird paper and, now finished, has shelving with plants, photos of the grandchildren and a lovely highback chair in multicoloured fabric to relax and chill in. A tidy-ish space where everything has it's place, will be MY happy place.

And what about the crafting talent behind these great products

Only starting on this venture at the tail end of 2024, it has quickly taken over all of my free time. Initially, the plan was to buy a few ready made pieces (trinket dishes, plant pots and the like) and paint/dot them for presents. I bought a selection of good quality acrylic paints and some general dotting tools, wanting to see if I liked it before investing in more equipment. Today, I buy silicone moulds (lots and lots of silicone moulds!!), tools to stamp with (these range from flowers to leaves, spirals to teardrops etc) and LOTS more paint. It all begins with hand mixing the hard density plaster (I find using my hands allows me to feel for lumps better). Once the plaster has set, I demould the piece and let it continue to dry fully before painting and decorating. This method takes time, needing to be put to one side at every stage, to allow the dots to dry fully before adding another layer. I've usually got several pieces on the go at any one time. Finally, they get varnished.&

Anything else? This is our sellers chance to tell you a bit about themselves

What do people need to know about Karen Markham, the artist, the creator, the doodler? I adore wildlife and feel an absolute buzz when out taking photos. My husbands comment, when out for the day, is usually "not another robin! But, even those I've captured dozens of times still thrill me.

I'm passionate about nature and wildlife and love nothing more than immersing myself in the great outdoors. It feeds my creative juices, but mostly, it feeds my soul.

I've changed direction a number of times within my art and craft, but I think if you have a desire to create, the medium itself doesn't matter. What matters is that you have an outlet for that creativity.

Biggest strength-supporting other small businesses and being fiercely loyal to those who are loyal to me.

Biggest weakness - not always having self belief and worrying about what other people think of me.

My studio cat is Albie, a part Maine Coon furball, but cuddles are on a strict 'on his terms' basis.

Here are a few fun facts:

Tea or coffee? - both, but coffee MUST be decaff and milky (with hot milk)

Chocolate or sweets? - chocolate (the darker the better), unless it's Percy Pig Phizzy Pigtails, then hand's down I'll stockpile them!

Wine or Beer? - Wine, but would swap for gin if I had the chance.

Favourite film (s) - Love Actually, any recent James Bond, any psychological thriller.

Coronation Street or Eastenders? - I'm from Manchester, it goes without saying it'll be The Street....obviously!

What matters most to me - family, good friends, loyalty and honesty.

I'm definitely happy to do commissions, infact, doing bespoke pieces is part of my USP, so if there's anything you'd like to ask please do get in touch. Let me create something completely personal to you, or the recipient.