about the artist Karen [Kay] Rhebergen
K Rhebergen (she/they) learned about the ancient process of batik, and began exploring the possibilities of molten wax and fabric dye while raising her family in Yukon Territory. She spent many winter evenings basking in the light of her home studio, creating batik art as expression of what impacted her most: the beauty of wild places, and the warmth and complexities of human love.
For 17 years, this craft form has intrigued Kay. They approach their art with curiosity; completely absorbed in the preliminary sketching, the physical construction, and the voice of each piece. Their painterly style in the medium has rendered their work to be highly recognizable as it continues to evolve.
The inspiration that moved Kay at the beginning of her art practice has remained constant and grown in focus and scope. The nature of relationships and the ripples that ensue often emerge in her art. Dignity, parity and well being are themes that play across the body of her work, sometimes resulting in melancholy, sometimes expressing pure joy and most often landing somewhere between.
Kay works from their home studio and finds great satisfaction in being immersed in art making, and in sharing the process through instruction and demonstration.
Kay is a demonstrating artist with London Arts Live, and a range of their work is displayed at Magpie's Collected Creations in Covent Garden Market. They are a founding and active member of London Ontario Urban Sketchers, and recently displayed and sold three pieces at the Square Foot Show in Westland Gallery. They are an active artist with the London Artists' Studio Art Tour.
Kay's art has traveled to homes and public spaces across Turtle Island, and around the world.
The resist process of batik is an ancient craft, dating back in history over two thousand years. Karen couples the traditional method of batik with constant exploration of the possibilities of wax and dye.
Her pieces of art reflect on common moments in life
that are bathed with love and dignity.
Her pieces of art reflect on common moments in life
that are bathed with love and dignity.