Karen Sistek, MSP

Karen Sistek Studio

Port Angeles, Washington

Karen is as infatuated with silk painting today as she was the first time she touched her brush to silk over 16 years ago. Karen is self-taught. Through years of practicing, she is continuing to perfect her own technique using various stop flow methods, aside from the "Serti"technique using water based resists and gutta, and the free flow technique, embellishing with salt crystals and alcohol. She uses "Procion H" Fiber reactive steam set dyes. Once the dyes have been steamed and rinsed for her wall art, they are mounted onto gessoed or natural canvas, using a mat medium varnish. This technique was taught to her by Sandra Kay Johnson (You may learn more about this process by visiting Sandra's website). This art may be hung with our without a frame. This coating protects the silk from the environments, and may be washed with a clean damp towel.

The Sistek specialty is flowers, mostly from an "insect's point of view". Karen zooms in on a certain aspect of the flower and brings it closer to the viewer. Karen teaches silk painting at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, WA, as well as offering classes in her studio, and in other states. Her art can be found in several galleries in Washington State, as well as nation-wide.

She devoted her life to her family, moving around the country for 26 years with her husband Rick, a pilot with the U.S. Coast Guard, and being super mom to their two children, Scott and Kimberly. After Rick retired in 1994, they returned to Port Angeles, Washington, where they were stationed in the early 1970's. Their children are grown and starting families of their own in the Seattle area.

Karen is living her dream. Actually, the whole family is living her dream! Husband Rick is her business manager. He also does all of the cooking, errands, coupon clipping, and even the dishes! Her mother, Jane, was an avid photographer and kept her well supplied with magnificent close-up photos of flowers that Karen uses for inspiration. Rick's mother, Anne, ran errands and worked gallery hours. Karen is allowed to focus full-time on producing her art. Family and friends are a great support to Karen and she attributes much of her success to them.

  Karen was chosen as one of only nine artists, out of more than thirty, to paint a 3 foot 9 foot silk banner to hang at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington D.C., in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution. This group of selected artists has joined together to form Synergy Silk. You will find their banners hanging at Orchid Society Conventions throughout the United States.

In June, Karen was selected as a Master of Silk Painting by Silk Painters International. As of late 2011, She is one of 10 so designated worldwide.

I am so happy to share my discoveries and techniques.  Private, semi-private and group classes are given in my studio in Port Angeles, Washington. Please contact me for further information at (360) 457-3559.

Or Telephone me at:

360-457-3559

360-452-4388 Fax

Each of the one-of-a-kind silk paintings pictured in the galleries on this website has been sold.  For information about commissioning silk art by Karen Sistek, or to schedule beginning, intermediate or advanced silk painting classes in your area, please e-mail the artist.