Congratulations to Karri McPherson for earning her place as a Winner in the Boynes Monthly Art Award October 2024 Edition!

Who are you?

I'm Karri McPherson, an Australian artist who’s spent much of my life exploring the world through creativity and inquiry. My journey as an artist has been a natural progression of seeking truth in abstract ideas, from philosophical thought to the intricate beauty of geometry. I grew up with a curiosity for patterns in nature and a love for discovering the connections that often go unseen. While I’ve experimented with many forms of art, my journey in geometry has evolved as a way to interpret and interact with the deeper patterns that shape our world.

What inspired you to utilize painting as a medium?

Painting has this incredible ability to connect physical effort with abstract emotion—it’s like translating the invisible into the visible. I’m drawn to painting because it’s both grounded in technique and incredibly freeing; it allows for depth and layers, which suits my love for complexity. Painting, especially in large-scale, also creates a meditative space for me where each stroke builds towards a greater whole. This process is very much aligned with how I view existence—complex, layered, and always a balance of chaos and order.

How would you describe your ARTwork?

I would describe my artwork as an exploration of the intersection between nature, philosophy, and the abstract. My work often channels existential themes and the idea of free will, inviting viewers to contemplate reality and our place within it. Geometric art lets me represent the balance and chaos of natural forces, offering glimpses of an underlying order. I hope my work captures that tension and draws people into a world where they can think freely and question the nature of what they see.

Can you discuss the inspiration and thought process behind your winning work?

The piece that won embodies a concept I’ve been exploring: the convergence of individuality and unity. I’m fascinated by the idea that we are each unique fragments of a larger whole. This particular work used bright colours, intersecting lines, and layers to reflect the diversity within unity—how every shape or line has its own form, yet contributes to a greater composition. I wanted it to feel dynamic, complex, yet harmonious, much like the diverse backgrounds we all come from.

Can you walk us through the technical steps of creating your winning work?

The process began with a rough sketch to establish the geometric framework, which then evolved as I layered colours, shapes, and fractal patterns. I typically experiment digitally first to explore how colours interact, giving me a guide before moving to the canvas. After finalizing the design, I applied multiple layers of vibrant acrylics to create a sense of depth. Achieving balance was crucial here—I wanted intricate details without overwhelming the viewer, especially with the complex interplay of shapes and layers. For the final touch, I extended the piece beyond the canvas, adding a wall painting that connected shapes tapering off the edges of the artwork onto the wall itself. This gave the work a three-dimensional aspect, drawing viewers in and creating a more immersive experience.

What do you hope to communicate to an audience with your work?

At its core, I want my work to awaken a sense of curiosity and contemplation. I hope people see in it an invitation to question their reality and seek truth—whether that’s exploring their own beliefs, the mysteries of nature, or just the interconnectedness we all share. If my art inspires someone to look at the world with a bit more wonder, I feel I’ve done my job.

Can you talk about your biggest learning experience during the process of creating your work?

I’ve found that embracing mistakes often leads to breakthroughs. I had moments in this piece where the colours didn’t interact the way I’d planned, and I had to step back and adjust. Learning to adapt and trust that each "mistake" could take the work somewhere new taught me to let go of control a bit. It’s a powerful metaphor for life as well—often our greatest growth comes from unplanned adjustments.

Can you discuss your biggest success since starting your artistic journey?

For me, success isn’t defined by a single moment but by the journey as a whole. I’ve had achievements that stand out, like winning the Brenda Clouten Memorial Travelling Scholarship in 2020, which gave me the incredible opportunity to travel to Iceland. Painting murals in Virginia, USA, in 2019 was another milestone, as well as having my work shortlisted in prizes like the Stanthorpe Art Prize and the Milburn Art Prize. However, I’d say my biggest success is simply persevering—staying committed to my work even when the path was uncertain or challenging. It’s the cumulative journey, full of moments of growth, resilience, and learning, that I see as my greatest achievement.

Can you give us the best piece of advice you have ever heard/received?

One of my lecturers once shared a piece of advice that has stayed with me: "If you ask, they might say yes. They might also say no, but if you don't ask, it's always a no. So ask." This simple idea has been a guiding force, reminding me to take chances and pursue opportunities, even when doubt or fear of rejection creeps in. As artists, we often hold back, worrying our work won’t be well-received or fearing we’re not ready. But this advice encouraged me to push past those thoughts and put myself out there. Whether it’s applying for a grant, reaching out to a mentor, or presenting a new idea, asking opens doors that would otherwise remain closed. The worst outcome is a "no," but the best can change everything.

As a winner, do you have any advice for artists who want to apply for awards, competitions, residencies, etc.?

My advice would be to submit work that feels most true to you. If you believe in the message or feeling behind a piece, that energy will show through. Don’t create something just for the sake of fitting a theme; instead, try to align your work with the core values of the competition in a way that’s honest to your vision.

What projects are you working on currently? Can you discuss them?

At the moment, I’m taking a short hiatus from active creation to focus on some personal life ambitions and to give myself space to refine my artistic vision. After creating and working consistently for an extended period, I believe a creative break is essential for recharging and gaining fresh perspectives. This time away allows me to delve deeper into my ideas and develop stronger, more cohesive concepts that will enrich my work in the long term. It’s a period of intentional growth and reflection, ensuring that when I do return to creating, I’ll be reinvigorated and ready to bring my most refined ideas to life.

What is your dream project or piece that you hope to accomplish?

My dream project would be a large-scale public installation that combines geometry with environmental themes. I’d love to create a piece that interacts with its surroundings, using reflective or translucent materials that shift with natural light. The idea would be to create a work that changes throughout the day, reminding us of nature’s constant transformation.

Lastly, I like to ask everyone what advice they would give to their fellow artists, what is your advice?

Follow what fascinates you. Art is often about discovering and expressing the things that keep you wondering. Don’t get bogged down in trends or in what others expect—stay true to your vision and trust that the journey will take you where you need to go.

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