Art is where the heart is for self-taught Karen
A self-taught artist, who has used her sister’s death as inspiration for her work, is looking to launch workshops for anyone who wants to use art to support their mental wellbeing.
Sunderland artist Karen Hughes, 42, was devastated when her sister Claire Trueman died of cerebral vasculitis in 2018.
The brain condition causes healthy blood vessels to be attacked, which makes them swollen and narrow, affecting the flow of blood.
At the height of her grief, Karenbegantodevelopherartwork on the theme of hearts as she and Claire had matching heart tattoos.
This eventually led her to creatingherKTHeartArtbusiness in 2020.
The business has grown, leading to Karen’s decision to open her own studio.
ShehasleasedaunitatArts Centre Washington on Biddick Lane.
She acquired the lease at theendof2020,justasEngland was being put under another lockdown.
But with the easing of lockdown restrictions, Karen has been able to open the studio and now hopes to launch a series of workshops for anyone wanting to use art to help their own mental health.
Karen said: “When Claire passed away, I didn’t think I would paint again, but once I started, I couldn’t stop.
"I’m not a trained artist, it’s just something I love.
"Thegriefandlosingmysister has led me to realising this dream.
“I remember sitting in the courtyard having dinner with my sister and told her one day I would have one of those units for my art.
"Shealwaysencouragedme and said, ‘Yes, yes you will’.
“Through the workshops, I want people to have safe space where they can express whatever it is they are going through.”
Karen’s business venture hasbeenhelpedbyNickieKilkenny, who is a local enterprise manager at NatWest as well as an accredited Women in Business specialist.