KAREN GAUSCH Artist’s Statement and Bio 
Inspired by the coastlines of New England, I am attracted to the geographic edges where water, land, and sky converge. I experience these places as tranquil and meditative, as well as powerful and inspiring. At times, the transitional elements recall origins of survival, solitude, contemplation, and rejuvenation. Like the natural elements of the subject, I approach these paintings with the drama I feel in nature. Using expressive and gestural applications of acrylic and encaustic paint on canvas, panels, and paper, I manipulate layers and surfaces to suggest imagery of vast, dynamic, and fluid seascapes.
In the water scenes, I use texture and movement of water, fueled by my imagination, these new works came to life over the winter of 2022-23. These “dreamscapes” were created by imagining an inner world of wonder, with swirling currents, swimming life, drifting leaves, and hidden vistas.
My painting process is itself a form of meditation and the byproduct of different mediums and layering techniques. Some works are created with acrylic paint, and others use a combination of acrylic and encaustic paints, which entails adding colored pigments into a melted wax medium. I work the surfaces quickly and with intention while also inviting chance, letting the materials drift images into existence. During the process of layering, brushing, heating, and scraping, the watery references take shape.
This process enables me to gaze into unknown places. Layers open and close and breath, ultimately settling on a harmonious visual familiarity.
Starting my career, I earned degrees in Painting and Ceramics from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn NY, and studied at Rhode Island School of Design. Having worked for renowned museums and corporate collections in New York and Boston for over thirty years, in exhibitions, collections management, and preventative conservation, I live, work, and play surrounded by the beauty of art.
Exhibitions and Installations
2021-2023 AMZehnder Gallery, Wellfleet, MA., “Water Scenes” Exhibition 2023, “Coastal Impressions” New Encaustic Painting 2022, “Magical Small Works” Holiday Season Show 2022, “In the Light: Beach Scenes” Exhibition, 2021
2021-2022 Thalassa, A Love Letter to the Sea., Pop-up outdoor markets and an online experience.
2019 four eleven gallery, Provincetown MA., “New Friends” Exhibition
2018-2023 The Corporate Art Loan Program at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA 2018 to present
2018 Vee Vee American Fare Restaurant, Jamaica Plain, MA., Solo “Summer” Installation
2017 Melrose Arts Festival, Melrose, MA., “Arts in April”
2014 Provincetown Art Association & Museum, PAAM, Provincetown, MA., Member’s Juried Exhibition
2013 Wellfleet Library, Wellfleet, MA, Herring Cove Preservation Exhibition
2010 Centre Street Café, Jamaica Plain, MA., Solo “Autumn” Installation
2006 All Saints’ Parish, Brookline, MA., Guild Room Art, installation, 2006
2004-2009 South End Open Studios, Boston, MA., Washington Street Industrial Buildings
Private Collections in New England and Offices in the Boston Area.