{"id":5399,"date":"2025-02-28T02:19:57","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T02:19:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/?p=5399"},"modified":"2025-03-11T06:22:46","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T06:22:46","slug":"meet-the-artist-karen-miller","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/meet-the-artist-karen-miller\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet the Artist: Karen Miller"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>Reading time: 4 minutes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blending creativity with expertise, Karen Miller brings a unique perspective to Curtin Library &#8211; not only as an Academic Skills Advisor but also as the illustrator behind the new Curious Person\u2019s Guide to the Curtin Library. Her playful and engaging artwork brings the guide to life, making the Library\u2019s spaces and services more inviting. In this interview, we chat with Karen about her creative process, inspirations, and the role of illustration in making library spaces more inviting and accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image5399_32e569-10 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image5399_32e569-10 size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1448\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-5408\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-4.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-4-768x543.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Untitled-4-1536x1086.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83{max-width:1217px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal:not(.kb-section-md-dir-vertical)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83{-webkit-flex:0 1 1217px;flex:0 1 1217px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:35px;column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83{position:relative;}@media all and (min-width: 1025px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-dir-horizontal>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83{-webkit-flex:0 1 1217px;flex:0 1 1217px;max-width:unset;margin-left:unset;margin-right:unset;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-column.kb-section-sm-dir-vertical:not(.kb-section-sm-dir-horizontal):not(.kb-section-sm-dir-specificity)>.kt-inside-inner-col>.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83{max-width:1217px;-webkit-flex:1;flex:1;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;}.kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column5399_dae56f-83 kb-section-dir-vertical\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<section\n                class=\"block numbered-list \"\n        data-segment=\"all\">\n\n    <ol class=\"numbered-list__items\">\n                    <li class=\"numbered-list__item\">\n                                    <h3>Can you share a little about your background as an artist? What drew you to illustration?<\/h3>\n                                                    <div class=\"numbered-list__content content last-mb0\">\n                        <p><!-- wp:paragraph -->Creating art has always been an interest of mine. I\u2019m self-taught and like to experiment with different media and styles of art. A few years ago, I came across the work of illustrative journalist and artist Wendy McNaughton and realised the power of using hand-drawn images with words to tell a story. \u00a0Since then, I have been inspired by many other artists who create art in this way to communicate ideas and experiences.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"numbered-list__item\">\n                                    <h3>Do you have a signature style, or do you adapt your approach for different projects?<\/h3>\n                                                    <div class=\"numbered-list__content content last-mb0\">\n                        <p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>I think a style is inevitably emerging the more I create art, although I\u2019m not conscious of developing one, nor would I know how to describe it.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"numbered-list__item\">\n                                    <h3>What other projects have you worked on that you&#8217;re particularly proud of?<\/h3>\n                                                    <div class=\"numbered-list__content content last-mb0\">\n                        <p><!-- wp:paragraph -->One thing I am proud of is my growing collection of sketchbooks that I have filled with \u2018bad art\u2019 while establishing a daily sketching practice.\u00a0 This has been a big factor in developing my skills and confidence and helping me overcome the fear of the \u2018blank page\u2019.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->Over the past few years, I have been gradually incorporating my sketches into some of the work I do in the Curtin Library, mainly to illustrate presentations and learning resources.\u00a0 I\u2019d love to do more of it, although as an Academic Skills Advisor, creating art is not in my job description!<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"numbered-list__item\">\n                                    <h3>Can you tell us about your inspiration for the illustrations in the &#8220;Curious Person\u2019s Guide to the Curtin Library&#8221;?<\/h3>\n                                                    <div class=\"numbered-list__content content last-mb0\">\n                        <p><!-- wp:paragraph --><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->In addition to the various illustrative journalists I admire, I was inspired by the quirky, fun drawings of Ian Fennelly, a UK based artist and \u2018urban sketcher\u2019.\u00a0 I love the way he plays with perspective and skilfully infuses loads of character into his drawings of buildings.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"numbered-list__item\">\n                                    <h3>What was your creative process like for this project? Did you face any challenges along the way?<\/h3>\n                                                    <div class=\"numbered-list__content content last-mb0\">\n                        <p><!-- wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->I started with a very playful, \u2018unserious\u2019, approach to the drawing, as it was originally designed as a temporary sign among several others, as part of a Library UX (User Experience) project.\u00a0 Because it was very low stakes, I felt free to just have fun and enjoy myself, without being overly concerned about the outcome. When the project expanded to creating a colour version and brochure, the main challenge was learning how to create art digitally and achieve the style I envisioned. \u00a0Fortunately, I received a lot of valuable suggestions and helpful feedback, which I am very grateful for. \u00a0It\u2019s been a wonderful opportunity to work on the project with supportive library colleagues like Christine Huggins, the Library\u2019s Communications and Engagement Coordinator. \u00a0Undoubtedly, bringing the project to fruition was very much a collaborative team effort.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"numbered-list__item\">\n                                    <h3>How did you incorporate the theme of curiosity into your artwork?<\/h3>\n                                                    <div class=\"numbered-list__content content last-mb0\">\n                        <p><!-- wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->Curiosity is inherent to creativity and a key attribute for learning anything. I figured everyone who finds themselves at Curtin must be a curious person &#8211; wanting to find things out, wanting to learn. My plan was that people would see the image and think, \u2018A curious person? That\u2019s me!\u2019 and then they would feel compelled to take a closer look at the details.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->I want students to see themselves as curious, and in turn, to be inspired to discover what the Library can offer more deeply than they otherwise would. \u00a0I also want to encourage students to explore widely throughout their learning journey and ask lots of questions with a curious and open mind.<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"numbered-list__item\">\n                                    <h3>What role do you think illustration plays in making information more engaging and accessible?<\/h3>\n                                                    <div class=\"numbered-list__content content last-mb0\">\n                        <p><!-- wp:paragraph -->In a fast-paced busy world, our ability to sustain attention long enough to read a lot of textual information seems to be diminishing at a rapid rate. Illustration is a good way to capture people\u2019s attention in a short amount of time and hand-drawn illustration can be particularly effective.\u00a0 As Wendy McNaughton writes,<em>\u2018The hand-drawn image hooks our eyes and slows us down.\u00a0 We recognise it as being made by another human, and we connect in a way that I don\u2019t think we do with any other medium\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n                    <li class=\"numbered-list__item\">\n                                    <h3>How do you think art can enhance the way people experience a library space?<\/h3>\n                                                    <div class=\"numbered-list__content content last-mb0\">\n                        <p><!-- wp:paragraph -->Art is a powerful way to express ideas and convey feelings.\u00a0 Within a library space art helps to create an inviting atmosphere and encourages people to be reflective and curious. It can also be a great way to help people connect to the services and resources provided by the library.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/li>\n            <\/ol>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>Pick up a copy of the guide next time you visit the Library, explore our spaces, and see Karen\u2019s illustrations bring the journey of discovery to life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1448\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Poster.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Poster.jpg 1448w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Poster-768x1086.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Poster-1086x1536.jpg 1086w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1448px) 100vw, 1448px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Reading time: 4 minutes Blending creativity with expertise, Karen Miller brings a unique perspective to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":74,"featured_media":5468,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"wds_primary_category":9,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,4],"tags":[27,24,25,26,3,28],"class_list":["post-5399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-library","tag-artist","tag-curious","tag-guide","tag-karen-miller","tag-library","tag-meet-the-artist"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5399","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/74"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5399"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5399\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5469,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5399\/revisions\/5469"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5468"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5399"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5399"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/library\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5399"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}