In 2003 I repatriated to the UK from Morocco where I had specialised in technical management and, prior to that, fashion design in the UK.
As a newcomer to glass, I began sandblast carving illustration figures and soon integrated LED lighting and colour to the scenario.
Whilst setting up my studio in Oban, Argyll, in 2005, I became aware that I needed to create pieces to stimulate the senses and to satisfy my own artistic wellbeing. I spent time at the Wasps studios in Glasgow training in established methods and started integrating my own techniques to create illuminated sculptural pieces.
Light, colour and movement are prime motivators in my work and they come to life when moving around the 'cube' series. The refraction of colour and images within the layers change, releasing energy from within the form.
The use and further develpoment of Ultra Violet Bonding techniques are high on the agenda. Where this will lead, I am not sure, perhaps larger architecural pieces, but it is an exciting journey worth taking.
'Inspired by the illusion of light and it's dynamism within glass, colour, form and movement are explored. The energy released expresses individual identity, creating an infinite freedom designed to evoke thought and elevate the senses.'
Born 1956, North Shields, England.
2005: Established own glass studio in Oban, Argyll
Education ~
2005/2006: Technical programme run by Stephen Richard, Verrier Studio, at the WASPS studios in Glasgow. Coldworking Techniques, Kilnwork, Architecural / Restoration / Installation Techniques.
1979/1980: London College of Fashion. Final year. Associate clothing and footwear institute. Majored in design, subsids marketing and production.
1978/1979: Third year college placement, London.
1976/1978: Teeside Polytechnique, years 1 and 2 ACFI course.
1975/1976: Sheffield College of Art, Foundation year.
Employment ~
1980/2003: Fashion designer / pattern cutter, developing career throughout to technical manager in the UK and Morocco.
Exhibitions ~ 2006
Newstart Scotland Exhibition, SECC, Glasgow.
Scottish Glass Society annual exhibition, The Collins Gallery, Strathclyde University.
Kranenburg Gallery Summer Exhibition, Oban, showing work on a continual basis.
Elemental Arts Exhibition, Ardfern, Argyll.
Series of work selected by Crafts Council on reserve as emerging maker, 'Origin'
Forthcoming Exhibitions ~ 2006
'Argyll Boxed Collection', An Tobar, Gallery One, Tobermory, Isle of Mull.
25th November until 31st December.
It is planned this 'collection' will tour in 2007 as part of the Highland Year of Culture.
Reviews:
The Scottish Glass Society Newsletter, 2006.
Extract from Exhibition Review from the Collins Gallery - 'Looking ahead, it would be exciting to see ... Karen Liveredge's ingenious 'Cube' series ... enlarged, developed and integrated into contemporary architecture'.
Awards:
Grant Awarded. Argyll and Islands Enterprise. Training with Stephen Richard on Glass Techniques.
designs gallery, 179 king street, castle douglas, s.w.scotland ~ open 9.30 / 5.30 ~ closed sundays