Hoedown - The Fiddle Player, 13" x 9" x 7". Photo by Robert Vinnedge, © Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen

Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1960. Her family consisted of her parents, her twin sister and two brothers. Her father was a naturalist, so the family spent a lot of time outdoors. This gave Karen a great appreciation and love for the entire natural world.

While attending Ohio University, she took an elective in glass blowing. When she saw the instructor demonstrating the process, Karen immediately knew this was what she wanted to do with her life and she graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture.

Dog Stack, 26" x 12" x 11". Photo by Robert Vinnedge, © Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen

Karen had several extraordinary experiences while hiking in the surrounding woods. One time she fell asleep, and woke up to find a doe nibbling at her hair, with her fawn close by. On other walks, Karen met a bobcat, and another time, a bear on the trail.

Once, Karen was invited into a restricted preserve to observe a Bald Eagle feeding. As she walked back home, the eagle followed her, circling overhead all the way back.

This time spent observing the animals and plant life was invaluable when Karen began blowing glass for herself, as she knew she wanted her sculptures to come from nature.

Her next job was with Louis Sclafani. Louis was taught in the Italian tradition of glass working, and taught Karen a lot about the craft. Later, he was instrumental in getting her a job at a chandelier factory in Murano, Italy and Karen was one of the first women allowed to work on the factory floor.

Doggy Dominatrix: Canine Unit, 20" x 9" x 10". Photo by Robert Vinnedge, © Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen

Karen has been fortunate enough to travel extensively, using the opportunities to learn more about the natural world, and as inspiration for her work.

She has worked at the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State since 1987. After starting as a batch girl she went on to work as a gaffer, teaching assistant and instructor. Karen worked closely with master glass artist William Morris for 18 years.

She continues to teach during the summer sessions at Pilchuck, as well as holding classes and seminars at craft schools and colleges throughout the US and Canada. Karen tells her students, "If I can do it, so can you." She says that if you feel strongly about something, you can make it happen, and that "passion is everything."

Karen now has a glass-blowing team of her own and her husband, Jasen, works full time with her as her gaffer.

Bird Dog . 13" x 17" x 7". Photo by Robert Vinnedge, © Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen

Karen married Jasen in 2001, and they reside in Mt. Vernon, WA along with a variety of animals. They have a cat, two canaries, two African Gray parrots, plus their Leonberger, Kaya. Karen is taking Kaya through agility class, and is having a lot of fun training her. Her house is also a favorite with the local neighborhood dogs.

Karen's art has not only shaped her life, but has been important to others as well. When a group of older women came to watch William Morris and his team work at Pilchuck, Karen felt moved to give one of the ladies a flower she had made. A couple years later, the lady came back. She told Karen that shortly after her last visit she had to have heart surgery. She placed the flower Karen had given her on her nightstand. Every day she would look at the flower and it would give her the will to live.

Canine Conga. 15" x 12" x 12". Photo by Robert Vinnedge, © Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen

This incident affected Karen profoundly. Before this, she always felt a need to apologize for herself. After this, she was never a 'sorry girl' again. She felt if her art could affect someone like this, that's what it was all about.

Karen's first sculptures were of flowers and birds. She still enjoys sculpting birds of prey.

In 2002, Karen spent a month in Australia. During this time she found the courage to try sculpting dogs in human situations, with a humorous twist. Most humorous dog sculptures she had seen were kitschy, and Karen wanted to do them right.

She has extensively studied the different dog breeds to be sure her sculptures accurately reflect their personalities, and tries to find situations to fit the breed.

The Hoser. 12" x 16" x 6". Photo by Robert Vinnedge, © Karen Willenbrink-Johnsen

Karen has been the recipient of a number of awards, including the prestigious Corning Award for Outstanding Student, and the Washington State Arts Council Grant.

Karen does commissioned pieces, plus offers her works for sale through the Thomas R. Riley Galleries. The Gallery takes her art to various exhibitions and art shows, as well as offering the pieces for sale directly to the public.

Recently her work was featured in the exhibit Best In Show at the Museum of Glass, located in Tacoma, WA.