Living in the south central region of the Adirondacks has led Karen Deuel-Spine on a "search to find out where my life and art fit in with this region."

Karen was educated at Munson Williams Proctor Institute in Utica, NY and at SUNY New Paltz, where she received a BFA in painting. In addition to her landscape oil paintings, Karen has produced a series of mixed media pieces which combine her fine art sensibilities with the use of fabric and stichery. "Needlework is a skill passed down from the women in my family which gives me a sense of history and tradition."

Produced on canvas, these works exhibit a visual and tactile appeal and initially appear to be simple representations of nature. A closer look reveals images layered with personal meaning and symbolism, challenging us to reexamine our relationship with the environment and the consequences of our use of the land. Although the message is strong it is delivered in a subtle, alluring manner, showing that "things can be beautiful and still get your point across."