About Karen Frankel

I live in what I consider paradise - Perth, Western Australia, with my two children Len and Sarah. My children were born here but I immigrated from South Africa, with my late husband Jerome, in 1984. I grew up in Zimbabwe, in a home surrounded by original paintings which were the work of my Father, Eli Zagoria. My parents now also live in Perth and they continue to support me in my artistic life.

Prior to pursuing a full time artistic career in 2000 my creativity was very much a hobby and I participated in many art courses exploring different media and extending my skills. I was a partner in a computer software company for 8 years and subsequently continued in IT as a programmer. I developed and taught a course teaching basic computer skills working with small groups and individuals.

I have been exploring different media over the past few years and began working with tissue paper collage in 2000. These 'fine art collages' are inspired by the magnificent displays of bright and beautiful flowers and the rich colours of our environment.

The effect is not what one imagines collage to be. Acid free white tissue paper is hand coloured using brilliant and vibrant Australian made Art Spectrum acrylic inks which are mixed to produce particular textures and colours. This paper is then used as my 'paint palette'. The images are built up through overlaying the papers. This produces a work which is rich in texture and depth that can only really be appreciated by viewing the original work.

The process of the pieces is often a therapeutic journey and I did my first Paper Paintings when I started a new stage of my life after an illness. I continually see the benefits of being creative in a supportive environment. My students find themselves getting 'lost' in their artisic endevours. I have a passion for sharing my skills in a manner that supports and encourages the student whatever their ability, and take great pleasure in facilitating the discovery of untapped drawing skills - especially for those who think they cannot draw. Each person discovers that the process becomes something enjoyable in itself, no matter what their preconceived ideas.

Mt first solo exhibition, in October 2002 at the Guildford Hotel in the beautiful Swan Valley, was a wonderful success with 70% of the paintings sold. In April 2005 I had the priviledge of sharing my second exhibition with my Father, Eli Zagoria. This was also a great success for both of us with 70% of my paintings sold once again.

I am now introducing creativity in the workplace. These workshops are a result of seeing how artistic 'right brain' thinking reflects our lives in so many ways and am delighted to offer Tools for Creativity. More information can be found by clicking Corporate Workshops.