I hope this finds you all well and are ready to bring in the new year. I have good news to share, along with a few milestones from 2025.

J'espère que vous vous portez tous bien et que vous êtes prêts à accueillir la nouvelle année. J'ai de bonnes nouvelles à partager, ainsi que quelques dates importantes pour 2025.

    First, I want to share my most difficult accomplishment this year: receiving a favorable review for a Talent Passport. This journey was much more challenging than I anticipated when I began a year ago. I’ve certainly learned patience!

The process involved an immense amount of paperwork in both English and French; countless communications with everyone from the local mayor and my tax accountant to the right people in government agencies; navigating the complexities of French administrative systems; and taking French language classes (I'm still learning, slowly!). Most importantly, I had to establish myself as an artist within the French cultural system.

All of these elements had to align for me to receive my Talent Passport. I feel I could write a book that parallels Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence—my challenges were great, my frustrations grew, and my insecurities were beyond what I had imagined. A BIG thank you to all of you who helped! You know who you are.

Tout d'abord, je souhaite partager avec vous ma plus grande réussite de cette année : l'obtention d'un avis favorable pour mon Passeport Talent. Ce parcours a été bien plus ardu que je ne l'avais imaginé il y a un an. J'ai appris la patience, c'est certain !

Les démarches ont impliqué une quantité impressionnante de paperasse, en anglais comme en français ; d'innombrables échanges avec toutes sortes d'interlocuteurs, du maire à mon comptable, en passant par les personnes compétentes au sein des administrations ; la complexité des systèmes administratifs français ; et des cours de français (j'apprends encore, lentement !). Surtout, il me fallait me faire une place en tant qu'artiste au sein du système culturel français.

Tous ces éléments devaient être réunis pour que je reçoive mon Passeport Talent. J'ai l'impression que je pourrais écrire un livre comparable à « Une année en Provence » de Peter Mayle : les défis étaient immenses, les frustrations grandissantes et les doutes bien plus profonds que je ne l'avais imaginé. Un immense merci à tous ceux qui m'ont aidée ! Vous vous reconnaîtrez.

    The week before Christmas, I received an email from the French government stating that my application was favorable. They are finalizing the documents now, and my card should arrive soon. This card will allow me to work freely in France, Europe, and the US, and it encourages me to contribute to the cultural environment here in France—which I will do proudly.

La semaine précédant Noël, j'ai reçu un courriel du gouvernement français m'informant que ma demande était favorable. Ils finalisent actuellement les documents et ma carte devrait arriver prochainement. Cette carte me permettra de travailler librement en France, en Europe et aux États-Unis, et m'encourage à contribuer à la vie culturelle française, ce que je ferai avec fierté.

A Year in Review / Bilan d'une année

AUGUST/Août, 2025 - GALERIE DOMNINE : SISTERON FRANCE
UN HÉRITAGE PRÉCIEUX : REDÉCOUVRIR MES RACINES

I started the year in Portland, preparing for my solo exhibition with Calloway Fine Art & Consulting (below). Then I returned to France for several exhibitions, including a solo show in Sisteron—the town where my grandfather was born and raised.

J'ai commencé l'année à Portland, en préparant mon exposition personnelle avec Calloway Fine Art & Consulting (voir ci-dessous). Je suis ensuite retournée en France pour plusieurs expositions, dont une exposition personnelle à Sisteron, la ville natale de mon grand-père.

MAY/Mai 2025 - CALLOWAY FINE ART & CONSULTING - WASHINGTON DC
PATHWAYS: REDISCOVEIRNG MY ROOTS

Additionally, I traveled to Barcelona and Monaco for art events, and my Barcelona gallery represented me at the Estampa Contemporary Art Fair in Madrid this past October.

Par ailleurs, j'ai voyagé à Barcelone et à Monaco pour des événements artistiques, et ma galerie barcelonaise m'a représentée à la foire d'art contemporain Estampa à Madrid en octobre dernier.

SEPTEMBER 2025 - MONACO
EXHIBITION OF SIX WORKS

OCOTOBER 2025 - MADRID SPAIN
ESTAMPA ART FAIR WITH UXVAL GALLERY

On a personal note/À titre personnel

Here are a few photos, including the car I purchased last month; a trip to Barcelona; roasting chestnuts in a small village in Italy; and inspecting my wines in Mison with a friend from Portland.

Voici quelques photos, notamment de la voiture que j'ai achetée le mois dernier ; un voyage à Barcelone ; une dégustation de châtaignes grillées dans un petit village italien ; et une dégustation de mes vins à Mission avec un ami de Portland.

I wish you all a happy new year filled with peace and joy in 2026.

Very warmly,  

Je vous souhaite à tous une bonne année 2026, remplie de paix et de joie.

Bien cordialement.

Karen Silve

À mes soutiens, collectionneurs, amis et famille.
Un immense merci pour votre soutien indéfectible, surtout en cette période de changement et d'incertitude.

« Promenade matinale » et « Calme matinal ».
Pour moi, ces deux tableaux capturent la beauté de la Terre et de tout ce qu'elle abrite. Lors de mes promenades dans la campagne provençale, autour de mon atelier, j'ai ressenti la richesse de la terre sous mes pieds, une énergie qui m'envahissait et me remplissait de gratitude. Je n'avais d'autre choix que de me laisser aller à cette paix intérieure. Tant que je l'ai laissée faire, cette respiration m'a permis de garder l'équilibre face aux difficultés et à l'incertitude.

Je vous souhaite une joyeuse fête de Thanksgiving, empreinte de paix et de réconfort.
Puissiez-vous respirer la richesse de la terre sous vos pieds.

Avec toute mon affection, Karen Silve

To my supporters, collectors, friends and family. 
My deepest Thank you for your continued support. Especially during this time of change and uncertainty.

 "Morning Walk" and "Morning Calm". 
For me, these two paintings encompass the beauty of this earth and all it inhabits. During my walks here in the countryside of Provence around my studio, I felt the richness of the earth beneath my feet, climbing up my body, and filling me with gratitude. I had no choice but to surrender to the peace it brought me. As long as I allowed it, the internal breath kept me centered during these hardships of uncertainty. 

I wish you a warm thanksgiving with peace and comfort. 
May you breathe in the richness beneath your feet. 

with love,  Karen Silve

IFEMA MADRID
Recinto Ferial, Av. Partenón 5

I’m very excited to share with you that I have New Representation in Barcelona with the Uxval Gochez Gallery. And even more happy to share that they will take my work to Madrid for the Estampa Contemporary Art Fair.

What a great time I had traveling to Barcelona and Meeting both Uxval and Andreina. We enjoyed art gallery hoping, and Uxval was so kind to share his large breath of knowledge of the contemporary Spanish artists.

I took my work rolled up from France. Here I am restretching the work in their back room. All together, they will have four of my paintings in Madrid.

Je suis ravie de vous annoncer que j'ai une nouvelle représentation à Barcelone avec la galerie Uxval Gochez. Et encore plus heureuse de vous annoncer qu'ils exposeront mes œuvres à Madrid pour la foire d'art contemporain Estampa.

J'ai passé un excellent séjour à Barcelone et rencontré Uxval et Andreina. Nous avons apprécié la visite de la galerie, et Uxval a eu la gentillesse de partager sa vaste connaissance des artistes contemporains espagnols.

J'ai emporté mes œuvres roulées de France. Me voici en train de les étirer dans leur arrière-boutique. Au total, ils exposeront quatre de mes tableaux à Madrid.

If you can make the fair, let me know and I can forward tickets to you.

Warm regards,

Karen

Si vous pouvez venir à la foire, prévenez-moi et je vous ferai parvenir les billets.

Cordialement,

A Sneak Peak of my new works for my upcoming solo exhibition

Depuis début mai, je suis occupée ici en France à préparer mon exposition personnelle à Sisteron. Je suis ravie et honorée d'exposer dans la ville natale de mon grand-père. C'est un moment très spécial pour moi, car je viens ici depuis mon enfance. Je suis ravie de l'accueil que Sisteron m'a réservé. Voici un aperçu de quelques nouvelles peintures de l'exposition.

Since the beginning of May, I’ve been busy here in France preparing for my solo exhibition in Sisteron. I’m excited and honored to be exhibiting in my grandfather’s birthplace. This is very special to me as I’ve been coming here since I was a young girl. I am more than pleased how Sisteron has welcomed me into their community. Here’s a sneak peak of a couple of new paintings for the exhibition.

Right after my opening at Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in DC, I came to my studio in France and continued on the same theme of “Pathways, Rediscovering my Roots”. These new paintings are a little more intimate. I look forward to sharing the exhibition with you once it is up.

Juste après mon vernissage chez Calloway Fine Art & Consulting à Washington, je suis retournée dans mon atelier en France et j'ai poursuivi sur le thème « Parcours, redécouvrir mes racines ». Ces nouvelles peintures sont un peu plus intimes. J'ai hâte de partager l'exposition avec vous dès son ouverture.

Karen Silve - GALERIE DOMNINE

presented by
SISTERON’s Cultural & Heritage Department

JULY 29 - August 17
Opening Reception - August 1, 6pm

_______________

présenté par
Service Culturel et Patrimoine de Sisteron

29 juillet - 17 août
Vernissage - 1er août, 18h
Rue Mercierie, 04200

Sisteron

Sisteron is on the Route Napoleon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It is known as the gateway to Provence with it’s narrow opening between two mountain ridges where two rivers meet: the Durance and the Büech.

If you come during my exhibition, be sure to check out the 70th anniversary of the Festival des Nuits de la Citadelle. This is one of the largest festivals of music, dance and theater in Southern France which takes place every July and August and makes it the most important cultural event in Haute-Provence. For more information about Sisteron go to the Office de Tourism website.

Thank you for reading!

Warmly, Karen Silve

Sisteron se trouve sur la Route Napoléon, dans les Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Connue comme la porte d'entrée de la Provence, elle est située entre deux crêtes montagneuses où se rencontrent deux rivières : la Durance et le Büech.

Si vous venez pendant mon exposition, ne manquez pas le 70e anniversaire du Festival des Nuits de la Citadelle. Il s'agit de l'un des plus grands festivals de musique, de danse et de théâtre du sud de la France, qui se déroule chaque année en juillet et août, ce qui en fait l'événement culturel le plus important de Haute-Provence. Pour plus d'informations sur Sisteron, consultez le site web de l'Office de Tourisme.

Merci de votre lecture !

Pathways: Rediscovering my Roots

I spent this past year in Provence, rediscovering my roots. Having visited Provence since I was a child, I have very fond memories at my grandparent’s home from playing in the fields to jumping into my great-grandfather’s fountain filled will very cold spring water. In my early 20’s, I went to the Leo Marchutz School of Painting in Aix-en-Provence. During that time, I fell in love with painting and grew to find this region as a spiritual haven. This past visit was the longest at over 10 months. It’s a place where I feel grounded and I’ve recently decided to make Provence my primary studio space. 

Chemins : Redécouvrir mes racines

J'ai passé l'année dernière en Provence, à redécouvrir mes racines. Venu en Provence depuis mon enfance, je garde de très bons souvenirs de la maison de mes grands-parents : jeux dans les champs, plongeons dans la fontaine de mon arrière-grand-père, remplie d'eau de source très fraîche. Au début de la vingtaine, j'ai fréquenté l'école de peinture Léo Marchutz à Aix-en-Provence. C'est à cette époque que je me suis passionné pour la peinture et que j'ai découvert cette région comme un havre de paix spirituel. Ce dernier séjour a été le plus long, plus de dix mois. C'est un endroit où je me sens bien ancrée et j'ai récemment décidé de faire de la Provence mon principal atelier.

This new body of work explores my search for where I want to be and how I see my life. This past year, I found myself contemplating over pathways during my hikes, walks, and drives. Many times I drove to one of the gorges in my region, found a hiking path, and started walking on it. There was always a little fear that I had to overcome: snakes, spiders, wild boar, or even people in remote areas. Also, the fear of being lost and not found. 

Ce nouveau corpus explore ma quête de l'endroit où je veux être et ma vision de la vie. L'année dernière, je me suis retrouvé à contempler les sentiers lors de mes randonnées, promenades et trajets en voiture. À plusieurs reprises, je me suis rendu dans l'une des gorges de ma région, j'ai trouvé un sentier de randonnée et je me suis lancé à l'aventure. Il y avait toujours une petite peur à surmonter : les serpents, les araignées, les sangliers, ou même les habitants des régions reculées. Sans oublier la peur de me perdre et de ne pas être retrouvé.

Generally I didn’t know where I was going, nor what was around the next bend. There were many obstacles in the paths. If there was a fork in the road, I had to make the difficult choice of which direction to take. I found that once I stepped firmly in one direction, I followed it. If there was a large rock, I had to figure out how to climb over it; if a tree had fallen, I had to figure out how to get on the other side of it. Surprisingly, I never saw these obstacles as fears, but rather how to develop a strategy to get over or around them. Many times the path took me back to where I started. Other times, I found a special place in which I sat, meditated, and wrote.

En général, je ne savais pas où j'allais, ni ce qui m'attendait au prochain virage. Les chemins étaient semés d'embûches. À une bifurcation, je devais faire le choix difficile de la direction à prendre. J'ai découvert qu'une fois que j'avais fermement choisi une direction, je la suivais. S'il y avait un gros rocher, je devais trouver comment l'escalader ; si un arbre était tombé, je devais trouver comment passer de l'autre côté. Étonnamment, je ne voyais jamais ces obstacles comme des peurs, mais plutôt comme une stratégie pour les surmonter ou les contourner. Souvent, le chemin me ramenait à mon point de départ. D'autres fois, je trouvais un endroit spécial où je m'asseyais, méditais et écrivais.

These emotional responses and experiences started to coalesce into a theme of pathways with crossroads and obstacles. In turn, this became a metaphor for my search for my next steps in life. I feel like I’m taking a big step forward by going back to my roots: my heritage, where my grandfather was raised, the french culture, and my art school. Now, I am firmly planting a foot in Provence and almost feel like I’ve always lived here. 

Ces émotions et ces expériences ont commencé à se fondre dans un thème de chemins semés de carrefours et d'obstacles. C'est devenu une métaphore de ma quête de la suite de ma vie. J'ai l'impression de faire un grand pas en avant en revenant à mes racines : mon héritage, le lieu où mon grand-père a grandi, la culture française et mon école d'art. Aujourd'hui, j'ai fermement planté un pied en Provence et j'ai presque l'impression d'y avoir toujours vécu.

I find the works have a sense of space; a foreground, middle ground, and background, while being non-representational. My hope is to evoke the sensibilities of exploration, peace and resolve.

Je trouve que les œuvres évoquent l'espace : un premier plan, un plan intermédiaire et un arrière-plan, tout en étant non figuratives. J'espère évoquer les sensibilités de l'exploration, de la paix et de la détermination.

I’m very excited about these works. Thank you for reading! Please feel free to share or email me with questions

Very Warmly, Karen Silve

Je suis très enthousiaste à propos de ces œuvres. Merci de votre lecture ! N'hésitez pas à les partager ou à m'envoyer un e-mail pour toute question.

Cordialement, Karen Silve

After my 10+ months in France and Europe this past year, I developed a new body of work that will be exhibited in May at Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in Washington DC. I’m very excited about these works! Look for an email about the development of these works in 2 weeks.

Right after the show opens, I will return to my studio in Provence to work for upcoming events and exhibitions over the next 8 or 9 months: a solo exhibition in Sisteron France in July/August; the spotlight alumni artist at the Leo Marchutz School in Aix-en-Provence; exhibiting some of my work in Monaco this September; and my work will be at the Estampa Art Fair in Madrid this October with the Uxval Gochez Gallery from Barcelona. I am very excited for this year!  And I can’t wait to share everything in more detail as the year progresses.

J'espère que vous profitez des fleurs printanières et des jours qui rallongent ! Cela fait un moment que je n'ai pas écrit, et j'ai tant de belles choses à partager avec vous !

Après plus de 10 mois passés en France et en Europe l'année dernière, j'ai développé un nouveau corpus d'œuvres qui sera exposé en mai chez Calloway Fine Art & Consulting à Washington DC. Je suis très enthousiaste à propos de ces œuvres ! Vous recevrez un e-mail concernant leur développement dans deux semaines.

Dès l'ouverture de l'exposition, je retournerai dans mon atelier en Provence pour travailler sur les événements et expositions à venir au cours des 8 ou 9 prochains mois : une exposition personnelle à Sisteron, en France, en juillet/août ; une exposition d'anciens élèves à l'École Leo Marchutz d'Aix-en-Provence ; une exposition de certaines de mes œuvres à Monaco en septembre ; et mes œuvres seront exposées à la foire Estampa Art Fair de Madrid en octobre avec la galerie Uxval Gochez de Barcelone. J'ai hâte d'y être ! Et j’ai hâte de partager tout cela plus en détail au fur et à mesure que l’année avance.

PATHWAYS: REDISCOVERING MY ROOTS

CALLOWAY FINE ART & CONSULTING
SOLO EXHIBITION - OPENING - MAY 2ND

     Look for my story about this body of work in your “inbox” soon. I will share the development of the work and how it guided me to my new path. If you are the DC area, please email the gallery to get a personal invitation from them for the opening reception and events associated with it.

CHEMINS : REDÉCOUVRIR MES RACINES

CALLOWAY FINE ART & CONSULTING
EXPOSITION PERSONNELLE - VERNISSAGE - 2 MAI

Retrouvez prochainement mon récit concernant cette œuvre dans votre boîte mail. Je partagerai l'évolution de cette œuvre et la manière dont elle m'a guidée vers ma nouvelle voie. Si vous résidez dans la région de Washington, DC, veuillez envoyer un courriel à la galerie pour recevoir une invitation personnelle au vernissage et aux événements qui l'accompagnent.

CALLOWAY FINE ART & CONSULTING
1643 WISCONSIN AVE NW, WASHINGTON, DC 20007

GALERIE DOMNINE — SISTERON

EXPOSITION PERSONNELLE OUVERTURE LE 29 JUILLET
SOLO EXHIBITION OPENS JULY 29TH 

      I’m thrilled to be exhibiting in my grandfather’s birth place in Sisteron France this summer. Sisteron is on the Route Napoleon in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It is known as the gateway to Provence with it’s narrow opening between two mountain ridges where two rivers meet: the Durance and the Büech. It’s also nicknamed the “Pearl of Haute-Provence”. I’m honered they have offered me the best time slot of the season during the 70th anniversary of the Festival des Nuits de la Citadelle. This is one of the largest festivals of music, dance and theater in France which takes place every July and August and makes it the most important cultural event in Haute-Provence.

I will send more information closer to the date. In the meantime, visit the office de tourism site to learn about this fantastic place and region that I love so much. 

Office de Tourism website

Je suis ravi d'exposer cet été dans la ville natale de mon grand-père, à Sisteron, en France. Sisteron se trouve sur la Route Napoléon, dans les Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Connue comme la porte d'entrée de la Provence, avec son étroite ouverture entre deux crêtes montagneuses où se rencontrent deux rivières : la Durance et le Büech, elle est aussi surnommée la « Perle de la Haute-Provence ». Je suis honoré qu'ils m'aient offert le meilleur créneau de la saison pour le 70e anniversaire du Festival des Nuits de la Citadelle. C'est l'un des plus grands festivals de musique, de danse et de théâtre de France, qui a lieu chaque année en juillet et août, ce qui en fait l'événement culturel le plus important de Haute-Provence.

Je vous enverrai plus d'informations à l'approche de la date. En attendant, visitez le site de l'office de tourisme pour en savoir plus sur ce lieu et cette région fantastiques que j'aime tant.
L’office de Tourism

      In due time, I’ll send more information about other events including the Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing, and the Estampa Art Fair Madrid with Uxval Gochez Gallery. Thank you for reading, and your continued support.

Very warmly,
Karen

Je vous enverrai prochainement plus d'informations sur d'autres événements, notamment l'École de peinture et de dessin Leo Marchutz et la Foire d'art Estampa de Madrid avec la galerie Uxval Gochez. Merci de votre lecture et de votre soutien continu.

Cordialement, Karen

Tuesday’s Drive, 60 x 80 in.

To my supporters, collectors, family and friends.

Over this past year, I have driven through mountains and pastures throughout Italy and France. It has allowed me to contemplate how I weave through life while I continuously grow as an artist. I know how fortunate I am, and it is because of all of you! I appreciate your continued support.

I wish you a very warm holiday season filled with love, peace & joy !

With love & gratitude, Karen Silve

New Representation - Dallas Texas

Breitbard Williams Fine Art

grand opening - November 19th!

I’m honored to be with Breitbard Williams Fine Art in Dallas Texas. BWFA is a unique blend of art consulting and fine art gallery. Their 5200 square foot design district location showcases a revolving group show of over 50 mid-career to blue-chip contemporary artists. I’ll be in good company. The grand opening is November 19th. For more information, contact the gallery.

Many Thanks to the ECC

Closing month of Personal Structures: Beyond Boudaries

This is the closing month of Personal Structures: Beyond Boundaries in Venice. It has been a great honor to be a part of this exhibition. Here is a video of Sara Danieli, the head of the ECC in Italy, explaining the importance of this exhibition. I’m honored they chose my work for the backdrop of this video.

OPEN THROUGH NOVEMBER 2024

Venice - Palazzo Mora
Strada Nova, 3659, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

I will be returning to Venice at the end of the exhibition. I’m excited to see everyone from the ECC. They have done a fantastic job with the organization and curation of this exhibition. Photo credits go to Federico Vespignani, Clelia Cadamuro and Matteo Losurdo for the images from the opening in Venice.

Passage - BY Karen Silve

New art advisors

I am also happy to announce new relationships withe Fresh Paint Art Advisors in Los Angeles and Page Art Projects in San Diego. I have worked with both of these wonderful women in the past, and I am excited to build on our relationships!

Venice - Palazzo Mora
Passage - BY Karen Silve

Palazo Mora - Strada Nova, 3659, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy

Take a look inside the exhibition

I’m Honored that the ECC chose my painting for the premier photo to begin the following video. Take a look!
Click here for more information about Personal Structures: Beyond Boundaries.

the catalog

Images from the opening in Venice. Photo credits go to Federico Vespignani, Clelia Cadamuro and Matteo Losurdo.

Venice 2024

April 20th - November 24th, 2024

Palazzo Mora - Strada Nova, 3659 - Venice Italy

I’m Thrilled to be a part of this exhibition! 

My work will be on the 1st floor of Palazzo Mora. See the links below to give you a better understanding of the importance of this exhibition.

Many thanks goes out to the great team of people who have helped me make this happen — and to all of you, my followers and supporters! I am truly grateful and couldn't have done it without all of you! 

Passage

Read the development of this painting written by art critic, Richard Speer.

In a world beset with war and natural disasters, Passage is a painting about courage and hope. It was inspired by a grueling hike Karen Silve took last September into the depths of the Verdon Gorge in southeastern France, near her family home. That 7.5-hour trek demanded total commitment and led the artist on a profound inner journey, which became a metaphor for confronting the anxieties and tragedies of modern life. In the symbolic narrative of the composition’s three panels we glimpse a passageway to a different kind of space, where growth and hope present themselves against all odds.
Click here to read the full development of Passage written by art writer Richard Speer.

Personal Structures 2024 –A voyage Beyond Boundaries

The biennial contemporary art exhibition invites artists and multidisciplinary creatives from across the world to transform once again the historical venues of Palazzo Bembo, Palazzo Mora and Marinaressa Gardens.... see more here.  

Plus read the announcement: Announcing Personal Structures 2024 – Beyond Boundaries 

An Extra thank you goes to the Oregon Arts Commission and

The Ford Family Foundation
for making this a reality for me, an Oregonian. 

Karen Silve
Personal Structures—Beyond Boundaries
Venice, Italy - Palazzo Mora - April 20th - November 24th, 2024

Press Release

Thank you for reading!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Follow me on Instagram to see more up to date posts. And forward if you know of someone that my be interested in receiving my email.

Very Warmly, Karen

Arriving in Venice

I was relieved that all of my artwork made it safely to France from my Portland studio. In France, I made sure the canvases stretched properly on their new stretcher bars, then rolled them up and drove them to Venice. It was a fantastic drive over the Alps! Then, I arrived at one of the most beautiful cities in the world!

INstallation

What a fantastic time I had in Venice for the Installation! The European Cultural Center (ECC) has a great community of people, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with these two installers. We re-stretched my paintings and now they are installed in their new home for the next 8 months. It’s a lovely space! I couldn’t be more thrilled.

I am looking forward to going back to Venice for my opening night on April 19th. The show officially opens on April 20th and runs through November 24th, 2024.

Personal Structures — Beyond Boundaries
Venice 2024

April 20th - November 24th, 2024

—
Palazzo Mora
Strada Nova, 3659 - Venice Italy

View More Blog Posts

As I reflect on this past year, I feel thankful for all of my supporters. In addition to all of my galleries and art dealers, to the Calloway Fine Arts Gallery for hosting a solo exhibition this past spring of 9 paintings inspired from my Venice travels. To the European Cultural Center for inviting me to participate in the Personal Structures, an exhibition in conjunction with the Venice Biennale in 2024. To the Oregon Arts Commission and The Ford Family Foundation for granting me funds to participate in this prestigious exhibition. To my family giving me constant encouragement for the growth of my career. And to all of you, my friends and collectors for supporting me to continuously grow in my art and in my life. On this shortest day of the year, I reflect on how blessed and fortunate I am. Thank you!

Wishing you and your loved ones a very warm holiday! And to embrace the darkness and the light to come on this winter solstice

Very Warmly, Karen Silve

A year in Review

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

I am a proud recipient of the Career Opportunity Grant from the Oregon Arts Commission! See the Press-Release here.

I applied for the grant after I was invited to be a part of Personal Structures 2024, a 7-month exhibition in Venice by the European Cultural Center (ECC). Because this is in conjunction with La Biennale di Venezia from April 20th - Nov. 24th, 2024, the most focused art enthusiasts from the world will come to Venice as an art destination.

Exhibiting in Personal Structures will give me exposure to international communities of art curators, writers, consultants, and collectors. Over 570,000 visitors attended the 2022 exhibition. My work will be alongside 180 internationally-renowned and emerging artists with a full range of mediums. The exhibition will be accompanied by both a hard-bound and a soft-bound catalog. 

I invite you to click on the image below and watch a short video by the ECC of Personal Structures. And scroll down to see more about the ECC.

With this news, my current exhibition, "The Sea & Shore"
inspired by my Venice trip has been extended. See Below for details.

THE SEA & SHORE

EXTENDED WEEK—DON'T MISS OUT!

With this news, Calloway Fine Art and Consulting has decided to extend my exhibition for a week!  So, please take a look at my Venice inspired exhibition. The reason I went to Venice last year was to meet with the European Cultural Center and see the 2022 exhibition. I was blown away! As you can see in the video. I did most of these paintings in my France studio and brought them back for this exhibition. You can read my blog about my Venice experience here.

Calloway Fine Art & Consulting
1643 Wisconsin Ave NW | Washington DC 20007
+1 (202) 965-4601
www.callowayart.com

WHO IS THE ECC AND PERSONAL STRUCTURES

The European Cultural Centre is a cultural organization founded in 2002. It has organized projects worldwide to create cultural exchange and inspiring dialogues, focusing on the philosophical concepts of Time, Space, and Existence. Among their main activities are the planning and management of cultural projects, the creation of international art and architecture exhibitions, symposia, publications, videos, educational programs and several other initiatives.

The ECC Italy is a well-established branch of the larger European Cultural Centre, with its base in Venice. They aim to create dynamic exhibition spaces that show the interchanging of ideas from different cultures. Personal Structures exhibition alternate each year with the architecture exhibition Time Space Existence. See more on the ECC Italy Website here.

Thanks for reading, and please feel free to share.

Warmly,
Karen Silve

MADISON GALLERY
320 South Cedros Avenue, Suite 200
Solana Beach, CA 92075
+1 (858) 523-9155
www.madisongalleires.com

MIAMI COMMISSION

This is a recent commission for a Miami client. I was very pleased with it, and loved the image the designer sent after the work was framed and installed.

THE SEA & SHORE

My solo exhibition, The Sea & Shore, is on view at the Calloway Fine Art & Consulting gallery in Georgetown, Washington DC. Many thanks to Susan and the gallery for a lovely opening reception last week. It was lovely to re-connect with the gallery and my followers. It's on view through June 3rd, 2023. 

Calloway Fine Art & Consulting
1643 Wisconsin Ave NW | Washington DC 20007
+1 (202) 965-4601
www.callowayart.com

Thanks for reading, and please feel free to share.

Warmly,
Karen Silve

The Sea & shore — Finding Balance

by Karen Silve

Solo exhibition May 5th - June 3rd, 2023
Calloway Fine Art & Consulting
1643 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007
www.callowayart.com   (202) 965-4601

See Exhibition Catalog here

Go to Calloway Fine Art & Consulting

May 2023

The artworks in my latest exhibition, The Sea & Shore, Finding Balance, were inspired by the journey I took this past summer from Provence to Italy, traveling between Venice and the Cinque Terre, where I enjoyed experiencing two shorelines. From the grandeur of Venice to the Cinque Terre’s cliff-side peasant villages, the interplay of these colorful old-world landscapes with the majestic sea created a colorful dance. The shifting waters in the Venetian Lagoon offered inspiring reflections where the world seemed to be upside down. The water met the sky, the sky, the water. The city felt like it was constantly moving, shifting up and down. Similarly, kayaking off of the shoreline in Cinque Terre gave me a sense of imbalance, with the horizon moving up and down. This imbalance resonated with me. I think we all needed to re-balance ourselves after COVID. Finding balance on shifting waters became the focus of these works.

My work stems from the observations of experiences that I reformulate into abstract expressions. The emotions I experience are my subject. The color and marks are my language, which I employ to define my personal experience. In many of these paintings I played with what is above and below a surface. The essence of these works embodies finding a balance on a shifting foundation.

Opening Reception:
Friday May 5th, 2023, 5:00-7:00 pm

Calloway Fine Art & Consulting
1643 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007
www.callowayart.com     
(202) 965-4601

Many of these paintings were painted in my France Studio.

See more here

Opening Reception:
Friday May 5th, 2023, 5:00-7:00 pm

Calloway Fine Art & Consulting
1643 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20007
www.callowayart.com     
(202) 965-4601

See Paintings at Calloway Fine Art

please share! And feel free to comment below.

I had never been to Venice, but always wanted to go one day. The day came this year, thanks to the European Cultural Council for contacting me about a possible exhibition opportunity in 2024. I decided to go and check out the ECC and the Biennale that opened in April and continues through November of this year.

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Even though this blog is about my artwork I created after visiting Venice, I want to acknowledge the Venice Biennale and Personal Structures because it was a significant part of my visit. I viewed artwork for over 5 days and loved every moment of it! There are too many artists to note, but I want to mention Paula Rego. She died a few days after I saw her work at the Biennale. I was so happy to see this strong female artist’s work and her contribution to woman artists over the decades.

You can see more about the Biennale Arte 2022: The Milk of Dreams here and Personal Structures here.

Arriving in Venice

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I was a bit intimidated since I had never been to Venice. The instructions to get to my hotel were to take Water-line 1 to a certain stop, then walk over many bridges to my final destination. Wandering through the streets, I found my way to my hotel and was already in love with the city. Thankfully, I stayed in the north part of the city. It was relatively quiet and gave me a sense of “home” for 5 nights.

I loved taking the boats on the waterways. In fact, more than once I decided to pass my stop and take the boat as far as I could, then take another one back. The light was beautiful when the sun was setting. The orange and yellow buildings faded into the water.

Many Reflections

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Reflections on the water were inspiring as the world seemed to be upside down. The water met the sky; the sky the water. Rusty pinks were at the horizon, both in the air and on the water.

The sky is abstract: something you can’t walk on, nor is it containable. The water is containable if you gathered it, but has abstract similarities. You can’t walk on it. There are many unknowns below the surface. It is vast with no boundaries. Above the surface we mostly see reflections rather than the structures or organisms below the surface. The buildings are the only constructions that we comprehend because they are manmade. However, they appeared to be floating on the surface of the water.

constant movement

You can’t walk through the city without the feeling of constant movement shifting up and down. A city built on water makes one think the foundation can’t be structurally sound. It’s magical that the city is still standing many centuries after it was built.

In the above painting, I decided to suspend colors floating in white space to express the sense of the movement when one is walking through the city.

Peggy Guigenheim

an inspiration

The first day I arrived in Venice, I took a walking tour. Statues and buildings were pointed out as well as the history of how the city was built. That same day, I took a water taxi and passed Peggy Guggenheim’s home, which is now a museum. This devoted art collector and influencer led the way for the marriage of European and American artists and played a huge role for the birth of abstract expressionism as we know it today.

I feel like there should be a statue of Peggy Guggenheim due to all of her contributions. With the color of her home similar to the colors of many statues, I viewed the whole museum as her statue.

In the above painting I thought a lot about how we learn from the past and the people who inspire us. The statue part on one side of this painting gave a wealth of life with colors and movement to the other side of the painting. The counterparts become dependent on one another.

What’s next

I am currently working on a 10 foot commission in my Portland studio. Plus I am working on a solo exhibition that will be at Calloway Fine Art & Consulting in Washington DC this coming spring. More paintings from my travels this summer will be a part of the solo exhibition. You can follow me on instagram or facebook to see regular updates. And if you are not already on my mailing list, please sign up here.

Thanks for reading!

Very warmly,
Karen Silve

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