Images of artwork and further information 

Brief description of current practice
Karen’s artistic practice is influenced by two overlapping aspects of the environment – a fascination with the natural world and concern about harming that world. She creates suspended sculptures which look to organic forms, patterns and structures for inspiration and uses waste plastics to interpret these ideas.

Experimentation with processes of cutting, manipulation, stitching and knotting with these plastics develops a variety of small shapes. These are brought together like microscopic atoms to make a sculptural form. Symphasis suggests the creation of a natural organism. It starts with one small section of matter, which joins with several similar sections around a “nucleus” to make one large “building block”, this, in turn, joins together with other building blocks to make the spherical form and so the chain could continue.
Having used nylon for many years, Karen made the decision to reduce the ecological footprint of her arts practice. This has been very positive for many reasons. On a fundamental creative level the previous history of the waste materials will contribute to the structures produced. It has also engaged Karen with the wider community through collecting materials from neighbours, shops and schools.

Background.
A successful eight year career as a contemporary jewellery artist followed a Jewellery and Silversmithing BA Honours Degree (Birmingham Institute of Art and Design). Karen’s work was exhibited and sold internationally and through Chelsea Crafts Fair, the Crafts Council Gallery Shop at the V& A Museum and the Guggenheim Museum Shops in New York. She joined the Index of Selected Makers at the Crafts Council in 1995. A desire to work on a larger scale and interest in community and public art lead to a MA degree in Design by Independent Project (Brighton University), a large scale sculptural lightwork was made, which related to its’ location through materials and form.

Professional Development Training Courses
Artists in Primary Schools, Diploma of Credit. Anglia Polytechnic University, Cambridge, part-time one year course funded by Eastern Arts Board (now Arts Council East). 
Adult Education Teaching, City and Guilds 730 (stage 1), Sprowston Adult Education Centre. 
Key Stage 3 (11 – 14 years olds) 2D & 3D workshop for Artist-Consultants at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts.
Arts Award Adviser training (silver and bronze) at the Garage, Norwich.
Effective Practice Unit Award and PLUS Enrichment Implementation organised through Youth Justice Board and the Arts Council.
Introduction to Working with Young People Course co-ordinated by Mancroft Advice Project, Norfolk Youth and Community Service in partnership with Connexions Norfolk.
Learning Beyond the Classroom at Breckland Leisure Centre, organised by Norfolk County Council Cultural Services and Norfolk County Council Education Department.
Creating a Buzz with Welfare State International, community arts training organised by Rural Arts East (now Creative Arts East)
DATA - Disability Awareness Through Association – Norfolk Arts & Disability Project (now CREATE!)

Websites.
 Karen Whiterod's Axis artist profile For current information and images.

For more past jewellery images go to the Index of Selected Makers at the Crafts Council – http://www.photostore.org.uk/

Karen's studio is in Muspole Workshops in Norwich, Norfolk.