Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Hunter McLaughlin.
Hi Karen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m not one who moves. Literally. I’ve lived in the same place, more or less, since I was 3. I share my childhood home (where my studio is) with the boy I loved at 14. All my moves are figurative; my work is how I move. Often in the past they’ve been quick bursts of series through styles, mediums, colors, moods, environmental and existential crises. My comforting constants are the ever-changing nature of nature, the language of variable line, and the design of my life.
In 2017, I began studying the fine art of printmaking, gravitating towards multi-layer monotype printing. There were things I could do with monotype printing that I could never recreate in other mediums. The negative and positive effects obtained weren’t possible with direct application. What drew me to this type of printmaking was the ephemeral surprises and chance discoveries I found when lifting plate from paper.
During Covid, I also discovered metal oxidation as a medium. The science of rust and patina drew me in, allowing me to further experiment with long-held interests in the connections between art and science, the awe they both share. I’m currently using experimental printmaking techniques driven by the oxidation of steel and copper wool. They provide a chaotic backdrop for drawings that were originally inspired by the neural-like connections of the mycorrhizal network, the symbiotic association between green plants and fungi. I’m drawn to the mystery and boundless synergies in these networks, how they invisibly share what the other lacks– how they rescue each other. This work is an investigation of kinship with the more-than-human world, and a dive into “Ki”, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s suggested pronoun for other-than-human. A language of shapes that mimic nature includes the threadlike hyphae of mycelium. Used to illustrate galactic space, mycorrhiza, brain synapses, and other human, and non-human body systems, these are perfect symbols for the essential nexus of human connection.
Why am I making this work now? Despite our current raging, changing, frightful existence, I close my eyes and conjure up the feeling of becoming the dust of the universe- the star particles that are part of us. ALL of us. The “all” that has no taxonomy. These particles have been here for millennia and will be here long after we’re gone. I imagine deep, dark spaces where mycorrhizae mesh with all living things. I try to look for transcendence in the mystical corners of the universe. In this, I find soothing hope and a catalyst for creating.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve been a member of a women’s artists group, Artessa Alliance, for over 20 years. Having a community of like-minded (and differing), strong women to connect with has been a privilege and often a lifesaver for me. We started as a mother-centered group to support each other during the years when raising children often created isolation. During Covid, we had so much free time and no way to see each other, that we decided to expand our mission, which had changed as our children grew. It was an exciting time where we often Zoomed multiple times a week, staving off the loneliness of that crazy time. We even met outside around fire pits, channeling our inner wild woman. We eventually expanded our mission, opening the collaborative to non-mothers.
Last year, I started writing poetry in response to my despair at the current political climate. Titled Surviving 1460, the number of days in this 4-year administration, I write almost daily as a way to soothe, create, and resist. I’m currently researching ways to combine the language of poetry with my science-based visual art practice.
More recently (May 2026), while hiking in Scotland, I fell and broke my upper arm. I’m finding it really challenging mentally to go from healthy and active to disabled in a few seconds. It was my non-dominant hand, but I’m still struggling to find the energy to heal and create. I’m trying my best to allow for recovery and use my idle time to brainstorm future projects.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
After art school, while researching ways to finance my art practice, I fell into the graphics and commercial printing industries. It was a good way to stay creative and make a decent living. It allowed me to continue making visual art, while working and raising two children.
After 25 years in the industry, the evolving technological landscape forced the print industry into decline. I had picked up considerable digital talents over the years and decided to branch into graphic and website design and development. I loved computer-driven design and tech– there was ALWAYS something new to learn. I was very happy running my own business, KM Digital Design, for close to 15 years. I eventually used my computer talents to add a virtual reality overlay to my visual arts practice.
In 2024, I decided to sunset my business and finally dedicate myself full-time to my art practice. Since then, I’ve had multiple solo exhibits, a residency or two, and developed several large scale series. I’m currently weighing some art/science collaborative projects. My latest work delves into science and physics themes including symmetry and asymmetry. Some of the work is boosted with augmented reality. Through this augmentation, I aim to free elements, transcending the immovable properties of 2D art. In creating a sensory experience to the work, my intention is to spark awe and wonder at the beauties and mysteries of nature. My augmented reality (AR) is created and viewed with the freely distributed app, Artivive.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Oh, I definitely encourage finding a group of like-minded artists to collaborate and commiserate with. It can be a life-changing experience. I recommend going to as many exhibit openings as possible. There are always other artists to connect with. I’m also currently reading Art-Science Undisciplined: A Playbook for Transformative Collaboration, by Janani Balasubramanian (Author), Natalie Gosnell (Author). It’s a pretty comprehensive set of instructions for connecting with artists, scientists and fundraising outlets. Also, the internet can be a great place to research!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karen-hunter-mclaughlin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kamcl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@karenhuntermclaughlin9721
