karen margolis

the enso, japanese for circle, is my inspiration for imagery. it is a sacred symbol in zen buddhism, embodying infinity and perfection. i am very attracted to this mystical aspect as well as its paradox of imperfection; and use the circle, reinterpreted in both positive and negative space, as shared language connecting body to mind. in a struggle over demolition and development, my art making involves two distinctly opposing procedures: burning holes in material and constructing discrete components into compositions. within these margins i explore internal mechanisms as well as damage and mending through intimate expressions of how we are touched by circumstances of life.

:: via upon a fold