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Color, texture, and design flow throughout Karen Lee-Thompson’s art pieces.  They serve as the foundation from which she jumps, exploring new directions through her work.  As an undergraduate, she undertook double concentrations in Graphics and Metalsmithing through which she developed an appreciation for the strength of formal design elements and a love for the conceptual fine arts emphasis she received in the Metalsmithing program.  Traditional skills such as enameling, forging, raising, and constructive techniques were combined with rigorous emphasis on artistic critique. 

In her Master’s program at Colorado State University, she focused solely on Metalsmithing,  She continued to push her metalsmithing skills through using jewelry techniques to create large sculpture.  She was honored to have her art Master’s thesis, Doors of Paradise 1994, permanently installed in the courtyard of CSU’s new library annex.  “A large part of the satisfaction and joy I received while working on my thesis piece was due to the collaboration with the structural engineering, landscape engineering and administrative departments of the university.”

Whether working large or small, Karen finds the connection and collaboration with the viewer/wearer to be an integral part of her process.  She designs jewelry using personal, social and spiritual symbolism to portray messages of significance for clients as well as herself.   “I love art.  To see that love flow out through my artwork is my greatest delight.”