Society Dubai, September Issue 2009
After arriving in Dubai a mere five months ago, Karen Lorena Parker is bursting with enthusiasm for her new-found home. The artist and graphic designer arrived with her husband and children and is ecstatic about the opportunities that are rapidly presenting themselves.
“There is just so much opportunity — it’s incredible,” says the mother of two.
Karen has clearly been keeping busy in the short time she’s been here; several Dubai galleries have already showcased her work. Her diverse style means she appeals to a variety of galleries. Her contemporary work being snapped up by ArtSource and Jam Jar, whilst the more romantic vintage-style pieces are available at antique haven Vindemia. Her artworks has been reproduced for the luxurious Tridents’ Bayside Residences in Dubai Marina and she recently exhibited in Wafi. She’s also hosting workshops at DUCTAC, Mall of Emirates. Her work will be at the Dubai Mall October 29th (across from the Burj Dubai) and upcoming Index Exhibition in November.
Dubai Mall at Burj Dubai
Karen is first and foremost and artist, although initially this was a cause for dismay for her parents, who hoped she would join the medical profession. The art she produces captures mood and feeling, creating a unique ambiance.
Shoreline
“My main interest is capturing the romantic light that comes through the trees or clouds, and that beautiful, random abstract pattern that’s familiar to all of us.” Karen muses.
Much of Karen’s art represents nature and in her work you’ll often find images of heavenly landscapes. “Because I paint from memory, it is the most ideal visual place that I’m bringing my mind to.” She continues: “The ideal shoreline, the ideal lighting conditions. I am a very optimistic person.”
While she may sound whimsical Karen focuses on creating moods, which has led her to work with interior designers and developers. Her background as a graphic artist also shaped the type of work she does; between exhibitions and workshops, Karen also uses her art to brand spaces for clientele.
Combining her two finely-homed skills, Karen superimposes her artwork into a room, allowing interior designers to see commissioned pieces in a site that may not even exist yet.
Since Karen is inspired by nature, one might imagine she would be hindered by Dubai’s artificial landscape, but she doesn’t agree.
“It’s so sunny here, so you can catch incredible lighting effects. It’s green, it’s luscious and a desert — it’s all these things.” Karen beams. “I sit at the beach and the light comes through the palm trees or it shows on the water. Even the lighting effects that are done with the water fountains are incredible. It’s even more inspiring here in one way. It’s like the beauty here is in the design of Dubai. It’s nature-inspired and so is my work.”
Visiting your life.
February 19th, 2009“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not;
but remember that what you now have
was once among the things you only hoped for.”
—Epicurus (341 BC – 270 BC)
We will be visiting Vancouver this spring, a year since we moved to Dubai. I am nostalgic about Canadian values of equality, education, respect for differences and a stabilized honest life. (Even the banks don’t require assistance in this financial crisis). I am proud to have grown up in crisp, conservative, considerate, coniferous Canadian.
Canadian life is full of chores and activities. Busy multi-tasked lives with little disposable income, but surrounded by the luxury of good citizens that respect great friends, and natural beauty. We take care of the Canadian environment.
I anticipate seeing a fresh perspective. Enjoying the culture shock of returning to something so familiar as my skin. Not realizing what has changed in myself — until I’m surrounded by my old habits. I can’t wait to see everyone.
Surviving the stress of immigrating to a new country was easy knowing my parents did it with so much less. No job offer waiting, polite interviewers wouldn’t tell them their education was not valid in Canada. My sister and I were two small babies, and my parents had no network of people to rely on. No ‘personal days’ back then when your children were sick.
Acclimatized in Dubai one year later, my News Years’ goal to fit in my husbands’ jeans can’t compare. (My mom certainly wasn’t getting her nails done.) My parents were not looking for charity, just an opportunity to prove themselves. Just a chance. Canada gave them that, and a future for their children. I can see Dubai as a bridge for some.
Exposed to so many cultures, we enjoy each other, learning so much. I joke how at a Dutch party I was kissing everyone three times on the cheek. Now when I see my friends in Dubai I kiss them three times. “If I can kiss a room full of men I don’t know, at least my friends should have a kiss three times!”
“Working as a foreign correspondent, we were trained to read through the competitor’s headlines before your second cup of coffee.” Says my good friend. The Dubai newspaper hints at Canada amongst international headlines. (Pickton’s family is suing the police for destroying their pig farm?) Dubai international headlines are graphic, touching and political issues are never black and white. (How could school have made Social Studies so boring and insensitive?) I feel closer to the political strife here amongst Dubai’s demographic mixture of 1st and 3rd world. I realize to some degree what my family left behind in Chile.
The financial crisis has affected Dubai. The mood is grim at times, projects have been cut, families leaving. People leave their life in a glove box, their keys in abandoned cars at the airport. There is cautiousness here, a worry of the economic future. Cost of living is high, stocks are down, school fees are high. Rent is dropping from 320,000dhs a year, but it is still high at 200,000dhs ($4500/month). — And here, rent is paid in full for the entire year.
My husband and I have a lovely safe home, family, two wonderful children and a relationship that has grown over 17 years. We are rewarded in our highly competitive careers and have friends from all over the world. What else could I have ever hoped for?
When some days are overwhelmed by disappointments and minor frustrations, life is full of so many more significant things to remember. It is best to keep the right photos, the good thoughts. Like a library of memories, it is worth investing in the right literature.
We have had the success of knowing what we wanted in life. Taking the steps to get there, then the hard part… remembering to take the care to maintain everything we could have hoped for.
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