Karen Lynch is an Australian collage artist based in Adelaide, South Australia. Her artworks are both digital and old school hand-cut paper collages, made from vintage magazines, books and catalogues “found at thrift shops, second-hand bookstores, markets and garage sales“. Karen is able to create a new dimension of perception based both on metaphysic and sci-fiction imaginary; resuscitating and transforming long forgotten pieces of the past into colourful, surreal, retro-futuristic landscapes.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I’m inspired by vintage photography, posters and advertising, architecture, film and nature. As I am a material driven artist, it’s often just one image or part of an image that starts the whole process for me.

What is the relationship and influence between your cultural background (country, studies, etc.) and your artworks?

I live by the beach in Australia and originally came from country South Australia, near the Flinders Ranges, so mountains and beaches often feature in my work. I also studied cinema at university and am a qualified horticulturalist, and worked in an architectural firm for a few years. I think all of these aspects of my past come through in my artworks.

What are you much focused in?

My focus is analogue and digital collage art which conveys a colourful, surreal, retro-futuristic landscape. My work is all about the aesthetics rather than any particular message.

Have you encountered any difficulties when you first started your art/freelance career?

Yes I had a few difficulties. I didn’t get deposits before I commenced commissions so sometimes I would be left empty handed if the client decided to go in a different direction. I also took things personally if projects were abandoned when the final decisions were nothing to do with my work. It is all part of learning how to operate successfully in business.

Over these years, what is the most important thing you have learnt from your profession?

I’ve learned that is okay to say no to some opportunities even if they seem amazing. They might not be the right fit for you. Also that communication between a client and artist is so important. Document everything and ask plenty of questions so there are no misunderstandings on what each of you expect from the project.

Do you think that a creative job is just creativity or it’s discipline too?

Definitely both of these. A few years ago, I was involved in a worldwide initiative called The 100 Day Project where you have to do something creative every day for 100 days straight. I chose to do 100 days of collage and this taught me the discipline I use today.

Are you currently work on new projects?

Some of the projects I’m currently working on or will appear in the future include more album cover art, set decoration for a television series, projects for fashion brands and visuals for an arts festival.

“As I am a material driven artist, it’s often just one image or part of an image that starts the whole process for me“

“My work is all about the aesthetics

rather than any particular message”

“Communication

between a client and artist

is so important.

Document everything and ask plenty of questions

so there are no misunderstandings

on what each of you expect from the project”

Artist Website > leafandpetaldesign.com

Instagram > @leafandpetaldesign

Shop > society6.com/leafandpetal

Facebook > www.facebook.com/leafandpetaldesign

Tumblr > karenlynchcollage.tumblr.com

RedBubble > redbubble.com/people/leafandpetal

Curioos > curioos.com/leafandpetal