In my art I attempt to give two sides of experience—one that may be expressive of pleasure, another that exhibits underlying tension or psychological isolation. On close look, people unwittingly reveal attitudes and connections through body posture and spatial relationships.

People’s activities seem (to me) to be exciting and somewhat humorous. I am curious how people connect with each other, or exist in their own closed-in worlds, even within families. Certain venues are continually interesting and visually stimulating, such as urban parks and swimming pools.

My current art subject—depictions of private and public life-- grew out of sociological studies and employment interviewing people from all walks of life. My professional training in this area teaches that an observer becomes a participant in what is being observed. My art seeks to raise consciousness concerning this and other issues of contemporary urban life.

My work is based on photos I have taken myself. I like to make sketches and rearrange these subjects in expressive ways. At times I consciously draw on the use of space in Asian paintings--for example, allowing large parts to be empty, or taking more than one point of view. R. B. Kitaj is an influence through his complex spatial organizations, color and psychological intensity. I intend my work to continue in the direction of creating less realistic and more emotional spaces for my subjects.

Karen Haas