Five Minutes with Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen

Visiting Artist Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen has often been inspired by the natural world, finding her creative spark through traveling, observing animals, and exploring the outdoors.

MOG caught up with the Visiting Artist ahead of her residency to ask a few questions about the inspiration behind her work and what she is looking forward to this week.

Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen working; Photo by Russell Johnson.

My favorite memory of exploring the outdoors is…

Well, any animal interaction puts me in “awe.” One event that stands out..My friend and I thought it would be great to take a mountain hike in April. After hours of pushing through the snow, we gave up the idea of making it to the top, so instead we climbed a boulder to catch some sun. While we were sitting there overlooking a snow covered meadow, a family of wolverines, two adults and two youngsters, came out and took turns sliding down the slope! Unforgettable and truly amazing!

I am inspired most by…

Besides kindness? And people who treat other people with dignity? And folks who stand up against hate? Other than that, natural history, rocks, plants, and animals. I can’t get over the glory of the natural works.

Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen; Peacock, 2015; Blown glass and steel; 26 x 35 x 16 inches; Photo by KP Studio.

Collaborating with other artists has taught me…

To stay open. Be a sponge and soak up as much as I can.

If I could give my younger self one piece of advice about working with glass, it would be…

We all have our own path, trust in it. Live for your spirit. It is the only true wealth. Love life and live passionately.

During my residency, I am most looking forward to…

Sharing a vision, working with great people, a watching audience, a great shop, creating what I am passionate about!! HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY HAPPY JOY HAPPY JOY JOY JOY!

Plan a visit to Museum of Glass to see Visiting Artist Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen working from July 13 through 17, or watch her residency online.