M I N G L I N Ga r t o n L u c i t e

by KAREN SIKIE

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M I N G L I N Ga r t o n L u c i t e

by Karen Sikie

Mingling

Mingling, to me implies a kind of ease and cooperation.

I wanted the graphic organic elements in this piece to co-exsit in balance while a flow of

energy moves through a watery world.

The translucent quality of Lucite invites light to play and cast shadows for a dramatic

effect.

My intention is to have a visual conversation about the beauty and energy of the natural

world.

Let's mingle.

Karen Sikie

Lucite comes with a protective

paper on both sides of the

panel.

This allows me to draw the

design onto the surface.

I begin with the front of the

panels.

left: front upper and lower panel,

design drawn on protective paper

The next step is to score the front design with an exacto blade. Then, I remove the protective paper

to expose the Lucite so it can accept acrylic paint.

.

By loading a paint brush with paint and

flicking the paint onto the exposed Lucite

I achieve a speckle effect.

left: front upper panel, protective paper removed

right: front upper and lower panel speckled with paint

Next, I paint the papers I need for my design. I use all types of paper which creates a variation in

tone and pattern.

Then using a paper punch, I punch circles out of the painted papers. These circles will be glued to

the surface of the Lucite.

After I score and remove the protective paper, I spray paint a stencil that is placed over the exposed

circle.

left: doily used as a stencil for the large circles.

right: paper punches applied to

the exposed Lucite surface.

left: paper punches and stencils

on front, upper and lower panels.

When I address the back I must expose the front of the panel to light in order to illuminate the

design. Now I can draw a complimentary design on the back completing the composition.

right: back of the upper panel

Here the back of the upper and lower panel is

seen with the protective paper scored and

removed. The front design is peeking through

the tendrils.

detail: back of the upper panel

This is the back upper panel speckled with paint after the protective paper is removed.

Here I show the back upper panel with the protective paper curled back and the front design is

peeking through.

I apply the paper punches in reverse on the back of the panel.

right: back of the upper and lower panel with stencils

and paper punch applied

Here is the front view with all the protective paper removed. Mingling is hung using 2" standoffs so

the light can interact with the pieces.

To see more art on Lucite, turn the page.

right: Mingling 30 x 30 in acrylic, stencil and paper punch on Lucite

top left: Lime Bough 24 x 36 in engraving on Lucite

top center: Autumn Leaves 24 x 36 in engraving on Lucite

top right: Blue Fruit 24 x 36 in engraving on Lucite

bottom left: Red Branch 36 x 48 in engraving on Lucite

top right: Autumn Breeze 36 x 48 in engraving on Lucite

Zen Screen

commission for

private residence,

Little Tokyo Lofts

Los Angeles, CA

Lucite panel

60 x 96 in

Celebration

commission for

Elements Kitchen, Bar

Pasadena, CA

Double Lucite panel

60 x 60 in

left: Gathering 8 x 10 in engraving on Lucite with stencils and paper punches.

center: Coralling 8 x10 in engraving on Lucite with stencils and paper punches.

right: Filtering 8 x10 in engraving on Lucite with stencils and paper punches.

detail: Violets 20 x 30 in engraving on Lucite mounted on panel

Karen Sikie is a Los Angeles artist who enjoys working with private collectors to create work that is

meaningful to them.

She is interested in a visual conversation about the beauty and energy of the natural world and knows

that art can bring that energy to a space.

Her mediums are paper and Lucite. When you visit her studio you will see her meticulously hand

cutting paper or engraving the smooth surface of Lucite all while her grey hound lounges on his pillow

nearby.

You are welcome to stop by. They love company and conversation!

To become a collector contact:

Mary Linda

323.369-2923

www.source-art.com

artist: Karen Sikie photo: Tara Gill

For commissions contact:

Mary Linda Moss

Source art

323 369-2923

www.source-art.com