‘Nine Versions of the Same Story’ - a collection of small “books” from the Kinship series. Each one is made from Himalayan Balsam lace pace and two layers of hanji, stained with dye and pigment printed.
#kinshipseries #karenolsonphotography #naturaldye #artistbook #handmadepaper
“Paint not what you see but how you respond to what you see.” A lovely quote from Jacki Barklie @jackiebarklie taken from the Friday Feature Artist interview @taketwoartcourses
Today’s work explores exactly that. I painted responding to my latest forest walk with dye on washi papers from @washiarts using modifiers. Had so much fun! Especially in love with the last one. Envisioning a new series.
#naturaldye #washipaper #artistplaydate
New workshop for 2026!
Wild Light Retreat - Paper Sculpture and Artist Books
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico October 7-13, 2026
San Miguel de Allende offers a wonderfully diverse culture and a thriving arts scene, and I’m delighted to return to teach this workshop.
This immersive, retreat-style workshop invites participants on a transformative creative journey—one that opens the heart-sense and awakens intuitive awareness. Through discussions and demonstrations, we’ll discover ways to let the inherent qualities, textures, and characteristics of each material guide the creative process and shape unique compositions.
Linda Laino will be our host in San Miguel. Full details at the link in my bio.
https://www.karenolsonphotography.com/wild-light-retreat
#wildlightartretreat #artworkshops #artretreat #artistbooks #papersculpture
Finally completed, “Rivers Speak in Voltage.”
This one certainly took patience. A difficult structure for handmade paper. I explored many new ideas here.
The broader concept is a work in progress. This poetic piece is a beginning.
Pigment prints on Baram Hanji paper, artist made papers from abaca, cattail, corn husk, and Himalayan balsam, natural dye, antique linen thread, and Korean hanji.
#bookarts #handmadepaper #karenolsonphotography
Interlude
Taking time for a self guided forest therapy walk. Fernald’s Neck Preserve, orange trail. So peaceful.
For me, autumn is a season of mixed emotion. Deep grief combined with the joy of rich color, intense fragrance and a soft landing on a bed of pine. It is a time for self care, fully indulging in this wide range of sensations.
Work in progress. This is the book I started work on @mainemedia with @susankaegrant
It will be an edition of 3 with printed images and handmade paper. I am trilled to discover that text can be photo transferred onto my delicate handmade paper. It’s so exciting to lift the print and find every detail in tact!
#artistbooks #papermaking #karenolsonphotography
It certainly has been an exciting week so far! In class with @susankaegrant @mainemedia for The Handmade Artist Book workshop. Susan is an incredible wealth of knowledge and an amazing and inspiring instructor.
I am all in and soaking up as much as my brain will allow!!
#artistbooks #mainemedia #susankaegrant
My most recent works have been collected to form an ongoing project called “Kinship.”
During a period of recovery, I found myself drawn into companionship with the trees and plants surrounding my home—magnolia, balsam, motherwort, and pine—each arriving in its season with a presence that carried both comfort and meaning. Born from daily closeness with these beings and others, this project reflects an important learning and an awakening of awareness.
This piece - “Letter from Home” - has found its forever home.
#kinship #karenolsonphotography #papersculpture
An invitation to create together in Italy…
– The Experience
Explore papermaking, sculpture, and book arts with handmade papers, Italian pigments, and natural dyes.
– Masterclasses
Learn directly from Karen Olson and Italian masters; papermaker Sandro Tiberi & bookbinder Carla Luminati.
– Community
Find inspiration in connection—creative mornings, shared meals, and new friendships.
– Travel & Atmosphere
The rolling hills, sunsets, and streets of the Le Marche region will surround you with beauty each day.
June 21–27, 2026 · Urbino, Le Marche. Limited spots available—link in bio!
#italianatours #artretreat #italyartreatreat #italyartworkshop #karenolsonphotography #artworkshops
A wonderful encounter with the gorgeous gorge at Watkin’s Glen State Park. It was privilege to guide a forest therapy walk here today with a dear friend.
At every turn a more beautiful vista revealed itself. The Chestnut Oaks encouraged us on our return trek. What amazing trees! Strong, stately, and welcoming.
#foresttherapyguide #foresttherapywalks #watkinsglengorge
Thank you @fibercollege for hosting my workshop and Marcella Christensen for assisting and taking these photos. And huge hugs to the students. It was such a delight to be among friends and fellow creatives. Such a wonderful week!!
Show of student work at Touchstone Retreats. Can’t you just feel the excitement! The creative energy was incredibly infectious and the results are so exciting!!
#papersculpture #papermaking #papermakingwithplants #touchstoneretreats2025
Glorious textures and colors from day two of Touchstone Retreats. Dye on paper, inclusions, and finger casting. Student work.
#naturaldyeonpaper #papermaking #touchstoneretreats2025
Day two, morning session at Touchstone Retreats. Paper sculpting, pours, and embossing. The energy continues!
#karenolsonphotography #papersculpture #toutchstoneretreats2025
Day one , Papermaking. at Touchstone Retreats. We began with cattail and natural abaca and moved on to other fibers with inclusions in the afternoon. The energy in the room was inspiring!
#papermaking #papermakingwithplants #touchstoneretreats2025
Ready for Touchstone Retreats 2025! Teaching in the dye barn this year at Fiber College. Such a beautiful space.
Thank you @fibercollege for hosting me again this year. Can’t wait to get started!!
A collection of small explosion books, printed on Awagami Bamboo paper. I am really in love with this form. They are just so fun to make! Definitely want to keep experimenting with different colors and patterns.
I added small magnets to the ends of each book so they can be positioned on the wall in a variety of configurations. Also very fun! I can see an entire installation wall with these.
Thanks again @tonihartillart and @fibreartstaketwo for your “Undbound” course.
Three little stab bound cascade books using some of those precious little pieces of paper I did not know what to do with. I love this idea, as both an artistic form and a record of my paper explorations.
Enjoying being a student for a while with Toni Hartill’s “Unbound” course. A wonderfully inspiring course!
tonihartillart @fibreartstaketwo
What an incredible evening! Visiting with Joyce Tenneson, hearing her speak about her work, really, really wanting one her pieces… and getting to talk about “Cultivating the Heart Sense” with a group of attentive artists and collectors. Several of my students came out. So much appreciated.
Thank you @mmpagallery and everyone who came to view this amazing show!
#womeninprint #mmpagallery #karenolsonphotography
Exciting news! I will be speaking at the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts this coming Friday/ August 22, 5-8pm along with Joyce Tenneson. We will be talking about our work, our process, the impetus, influences and what’s next in our image making journey.
I am humbled and honored to share the gallery with Joyce and thrilled that I will be able to spend a little time in conversation. Join us if you can in Portland, Maine this Friday.
#mmpagallery #karenolsonphotography #cultivatingtheheartsense
