Lynch, Karen (AUS)
Evolution
Karen is a Queensland-based fibre artist. She is an experienced wearable art artist, and has won three awards at the Australian Wearable Art Festival in 2019, 2023 and 2025.
“…the fibres I use are many and varied. They include yarn, fabric, recycled and upcycled objects, and natural plant materials. Many of my raw materials are salvaged, upcycled or foraged. I am an observer, constantly looking at shape and movement, as well as searching for resources to collect for experimenting!
I enjoy using materials in novel ways, and combining different techniques to achieve intricate designs, texture, shape and movement. I love to crochet and also use a variety of basketry techniques.
Most of my art is 3 dimensional, and many items fit under the umbrella of wearable art. I love it when my art comes to life on a human body.”
As a first-time entrant in Paper on Skin™ 2026, Karen constructed her garment from salvaged dressmaking pattern paper and from brown packing paper.
“I grew up with a mother who sewed. I am indebted to her for the many things she has taught me, including how to sew. Not only did she teach me the mechanics of sewing, but also she taught me about design, fabric, colour, the movement and drape of a garment.”
Karen cut the salvaged paper into strips and spun it into paper cordage/twine. Some of the cordage was created manually by hand, and some has been spun using an eSpinner.
Using this paper twine/cord and a variety of basketry techniques, Karen created a close-fitting asymmetrical dress. Once completed, the garment was dyed. A very nerve-wracking process which – fortunately – ended well!
See the Work on Film
Photos Credit: Grant Wells Photo