iamrushmore

My name is Karen and I'm an artist, educator, mom, wife, daughter, best friend, bookworm, cook, geek, music lover, cat owner, and all-around goofball.

My sense of humor is a little bit twisted, I love indy rock, foreign films, and contemporary fiction. I could spend all day getting my hands messy - be it with paint, dirt, or food. I've worked with children for 25 years and love what I do, but hate teacher-motifs and things that are child-like. I'm passionate about fresh, local, sustainable food, red wine, dark coffee. Family and friends are the most important things in my life and I would do anything for them. I try to avoid mass media because it makes me angry, cynical and discouraged with my fellow humans. Those I surround myself with must have kindness, decency, compassion, and a killer sense of humor.

original art, unusual found items, smooth river rocks or beach stones, decorative tape, little boxes, gum, food packaging from outside of the US, birds, abstract art and collage, street photography, hand carved rubber stamps, art supplies, corny jokes, vintage dishtowels, vintage kitchen tools, old picture books, handmade or handpainted paper, interesting vintage paper (old ledger, sheet music, book pages, recipe cards, etc) handmade books, unusual packaging. Did I mention I like gum. Really. Any kind. but I'm always in the mood to try weird bubble gum or unusual flavors or interesting packaging. I love bold graphic or geometric patterns - 50s & 60s retro, marimekko kinds of stuff.

Disney, Anything scented, Anything pink/frilly/lacy/floral, Sports, Religion, Corporate sponsorship, Pastel colors, Holiday themes, Lotions/soaps etc

I love abstract painting, wild, messy colors, mixed media collage and papercraft. My style is loose, grungy, spattered. I paint all my own papers and backgrounds. I tend to avoid things that are too "nice" or pretty or perfect. I also avoid the pre-packaged tidbits and papers and borders, etc.

That being said, I'm not that picky about what I receive in a swap. I think art is for everyone, and all styles and techniques are appreciated. I like to get pieces that people clearly put time and effort into, but I'm not picky about your style or technique or level of talent. Send me something you enjoyed making, and I will be happy to have it!