‘Nine versions of the same story.’ A collection of nine small, two page books that hang on the wall. Photo transfers on dyed hanji, Himalayan Balsam lace, linen cord. I am sure you have had this experience, friends or family members each telling their own version of the story with passion. The more time passes, the more the story unfolds with details. #artistbook #handmadepaper #karenolsonphotography
Introducing — Rivers Speak in Voltage Walk with me—into the spaces where art and nature entwine, where the act of creating becomes a form of listening. Through stories, imagery, and quiet reflection, we’ll cultivate resilience, awareness, and a renewed sense of connection. Each post is an offering—part reflection, part artistry, part gentle guidance—designed to explore how the rhythms of the natural world can awaken and steady us, reminding us what it means to feel deeply alive in a complex time. Rivers Speak in Voltage is a bi-monthly newsletter and community space where I dive deep into our relationship with art, our connection to the natural world, and how these practices support resilience. This newsletter is free to subscribe to, and each post will be delivered directly to your email inbox so you can read at your own pace. You also have the option to join as a paid subscriber, which includes monthly Zoom meetups, video tutorials, and access to a private chat where you can connect with fellow creatives and ask questions. I would love for you to be part of this growing community. You can visit the newsletter at www.stories.karenolsonphotography.com I am so excited to share this with you and I would be delighted to have you join me!
A little something I call “Close Companions.” From the Kinship series.
‘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.