Foremost, the very act of painting is what I deem most important to me.

The process of observation, making marks, perfecting a style, the smell of oils and white spirit is that which transposes me to another reality. For me painting is an escapist pursuit and a cathartic process.

The themes within my work enable me to catapult subjects, thoughts and emotions about the person I am to the audience. Of course I want my work to be seen as it is often simpler than explaining myself in words.

We live in a mainstream society that perpetuates and reinforces sinister laws of gender. I deconstruct magazines, internet articles, history and folklore to construct new ideas and explanations developed through the use of sketchbooks. In a way I am offering new suggestions and highlighting some age-old “problems”.

Just as importantly, colour is an integral part of my work. I have an ongoing love affair with colour starting from an early age, upon finding works by Matisse. To this day I am still discovering it, exploring it and inspired by it. Colour adds a vital dimension to my work--it is emotional, primal, natural and liberating.

Alongside Matisse, other inspirational artists to me are; Cindy Sherman, Guy Bourdin, Frida Kahlo, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keeffe, Lucian Freud, Paula Rego and Marlene Dumas. All offer a vivid account be it in colour, narrative or both.

Karen Stamper, 2006