the arts
Karen Dugan Words: Margaret Hernandez and Dinah Poellnitz Photos: Zach Cordner
Twenty-two years ago, Karen Dugan was living life as a stained glass artist in Solana Beach until she got “kicked out.” Renting a home from a judge who swore he’d never sell it, Karen thought she “just might die in this house.” Until that disappointing day the place she called “home” was sold. Dugan moved with a need for a creative dwelling in an area that had a yard and studio space. Karen migrating few minutes north found her new crib in a 1952 South Oceanside home. “I’ve pretty much transformed the space with paint and I’ve ripped the whole yard apart,” said Karen. Keeping to the original lines of the home, Dugan keeps to her style of re-use and re-purpose. Using found metal and old computer parts, Dugan picks up at the local metal or junkyard—she has an incredible eye for how line and shape can make even the most simple object the perfect art form. Not only about the three-dimensional art forms, but also Dugan’s functional treatment is intentional. For example, Dugan took us into her living room where we saw old struts as a base for her indoor succulents and several metal bars making up a complete coffee and end table set, but the real gems we saw peeking through the blinds in her corner windows. Pulling up the shades, we are exposed to the sun shining through three incredible stained glass pieces. 26 theosider.com
Dugan mentioned that she’s been making stained glass pieces as her living since 1977 in her Solana Beach days, saying “it was hard to get a foothold” due to her lack in skill and design. Dugan continued on telling us stories of walking into construction yards looking for work, “It was intimidating, walking into the yards knowing everyone was staring at you when you came up trying to introduce yourself, but you didn’t have a good portfolio but you’re still trying to get hired.” Karen told us despite the heavy influence of artists such as modern artists, William Kandinsky and Piet Mondrian, she really started “designing” work with the help of her business partner at the time. Unsure of exactly how she evolved, Dugan stated, “Sometimes when you’re forced to be on your own and to take the ship, somehow miraculously you pull it out.” Karen was able to find her groove in geometry, which she claims was terrible at in school and decided she was not going any further with math. Despite her belief of no more math, Karen mentioned, “somehow I feel for the line. I don’t know what that’s about—it’s mysterious to me.” With the physical making of her assemblage (3D collage) sculptures, Dugan’s craftsperson’s knowledge of basic construction provides organic juxtapose forms paired with aggressive lines—all while utilizing precise manufactured materials. Karen continued with “I have so many little items that hold some sort of appeal to me, and they’re going to plug into something—at some point.” All materials used in her work are found objects, but it’s apparent that when Karen has put things together only some things work that particular item she’s building.
Dugan’s currently is exploring her art pieces that utilize motors and computer parts, still finding how they can make a functioning piece of artwork. Such as a light in the bedroom—Dugan pointed out several lights within her living room and said, “I think they’re more fun. If you can turn on a light at night and it’s the only thing on in the room. If you can make it a functional piece, it’s so much better.” For all Karen Dugan art inquiries, please email sure-khuuicane@gmail.com, and to learn more about The Hill Street Country Club Gallery, visit thehillstreetcountryclub.org.
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