FAULTLESS: KAREN GREAVES

FAULT: How has 2010 been for you so far?

Artistically challenging.

FAULT: What is your artistic background?

I studied art history at school then went on to study Fashion Design in the „80?s, but my true love was always Art, painting, creating a visual story. I consider myself a self taught artist.

FAULT:  When did you first discover your gift?

When I was a child, at the age of about 3years old.

FAULT:  What other artists inspire you?

*John William Waterhouse for his masterful storytelling of his waif-like mythological beauties.

*Gustav Klimt for his deviant, erotic but sensual, stylistic characterisation of his female figures

* Alphonse Mucha for his mystic ritual of delicate patterns, intricately intertwined lines and subtle muted colourings.

*Paul Gauguin for his expression of colour and symbolic allusion moved art into the 20th century.

*Edward Burne Jones, John Everett Millais, Dante Gabriel Rossetti (The Pre- Raphaelite Brotherhood) they shared their concern with purity of form and adherence to accurate detail that paved the way for the Art Nouveau movement

FAULT: Describe your style?

I would describe my style as a Modern take on the Pre-Raphaelite style focusing on mythological adaption with an environmental message.

FAULT: Do you have a favourite piece of you own work?

Yes I do, “Little Monarchs of Nature” it?s a portrait of my two daughters, dressed in fairy dresses, with fluffy tiaras and fluffy princess slippers, and surrounded by grapevines and leaves. Monarch butterflies sit delicately on the leaves; my youngest daughter Jordan has her hand out holding a butterfly, while Paris (my other daughter) looks at Jordan in amazement. There is a dragon fly resting on the ground and a frog is hiding under the leaves. I have a personal connection to this piece as it?s of my girls displayed in a magical, mystical setting.

FAULT: Is art your full time job?

I wish!

FAULT: What are you inspired by music?

I am inspired by music, I am also inspired and influence by fairytales and mythological events, an escape from the realities of the modern world, myths reveal the power of love, with its accompanying anxiety and jealousy, the conflict between the generations the old and the new, the mystery of death with a variety of afterlife possibilities including rebirth, the effect of enchantment upon the mind and body, challenges of the unknown. The sadness of betrayal or treachery, the relation between human and divine, mankind and the gods, fate and misfortune, the creation of the world and the origins of society and the nature of the universe. Mythology is sacred literature, with its frankness about such basic human drives. Nature and the environment is a vital part of my inspiration, the tranquillity, serenity and beauty of a world unspoilt, purity within, unpoisoned minds, innocence, and mystery. The power women had in mythology.

FAULT:What are you currently listening to?

Loreena McKennitt, Evanescence, Muse, anything that takes me to that magical mystical place.

FAULT:If you weren?t an artist what would you be doing?

I would be a writer; I am in the beginning stages of writing a mystical young adult novel.

FAULT: What is a typical day for you?

My day starts with a cuddle from my two beautiful little daughters. Once they are organised and I have taken them to school, a may go for a nature walk or a walk along the beach to inspire me for the day. I paint most of the day in my art studio, and spend the rest of the day with my children.

FAULT: What is your proudest moment?

*Artistically speaking, in 2000, I was one of the 30 finalists for the “Doug Moran National Portrait Prize” (which is the most prestigious portrait competition in Australia). There were 650 entries.

*Personally speaking, the births of my daughters.

FAULT: What is your guilty pleasure?

Retail therapy or being pampered.

What are you currently working on at the moment?

I am working on a 30 piece collection inspired by mythology with an environmental message.

FAULT: What?s next for you?

A solo exhibition.

FAULT: What is your FAULT?

Waiting 15 years to have a solo exhibition.