About

Karen Gibson Roc was born on the island of Jamaica, raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and has spent her adult life in NYC and Los Angeles where she honed her craft as artist. She is a spoken word artist and a textile artist. Currently she is focusing on textile art. She has been sewing since she was a teenager. She believes art has the purpose to heal and transform any situation from negative too positive. For the past five years, Karen has dedicated her life to art and considers herself a full time artist. “The journey to get here has been long but I feel I am in the perfect place to create beautiful work” 

 

Artist Statement

My art is a self-contained journey guided by improvisation, where each piece finds its own completion. I am driven by a deep connection to the work, allowing it to dictate its own path. Through my artistic intentions, I aim to spark conversations about race and empower the Black community through the transformative power of art.

My creative process for the CROWN SERIES begins by carefully cutting and placing fabric, following an intuitive sense of placement. I employ machine stitching to establish a solid foundation, while hand stitching allows me to delicately appliqué additional pieces. Countless hours and meticulous stitches are invested in each artwork.

For all of my work meditation is a vital component of my practice, as it brings forth a tranquil state of mind. In this quiet space, my soul guides the stitches, resulting in artwork that not only possesses aesthetic beauty but also encourages mindfulness. As viewers engage with my work, they are enveloped in a serene sense of suspended time. Each stitch carries them away from life's tensions, offering a respite.

The essence of my art resonates with the heart, awakening a profound sense of love. Through this connection, my work becomes a conduit for empathy and a catalyst for personal transformation.