I guess you could say that my apartment accommodates my life rather than the reverse. About me.........

My life is diverse and active. I live downtown Vancouver in a heritage building studio with quick access to movie theatres, bars, clubs and art galleries. Because I am a fire sign, my stimulation and inspiration come from people, both in my work and environment.

One of my passions is secondhand shopping. The Value Village is my other home; all of my clothing, jewellery, shoes and household items were purchased there. My furniture is from back alleys, flea markets and sidewalk sales (ahh, summer in the West End when stuff can be bought on the sidewalk). My day bed (made from an old sign on Robson Street), wingback chair, ottoman and overstuffed chair are slipcovered in off white canvas creating a look of simplicity against stark white walls. Bay windows are left bare allowing natural light and a cityscape view to flow into the interior.

Artwork by friends is left un-hung for mobility from room to room. The floors are hardwood, matching the antique table and cabinets. A pine linen cupboard doubles as a headboard and storage unit for clothing, bedding, decorating magazines and books, while a sewing machine and excess clothing is stored in shelves built under the day bed. In the office area, a harvest table serves as a desk where I do my writing and a pine dresser becomes a filing cabinet. A child's pine desk is used as a telephone table. The kitchen houses extra chairs that can be brought out for dinner guests when the desk becomes a dining room table. White simplicity is the theme for the kitchen where white dishes, linen, tile floor, cupboards, walls and appliances create the same serenity as the studio rooms.

My home, minimal in size and decor provides me with a space where I can both meditate and create. I love it when I come home from a chaotic day of filming, writing or facilitating and am greeted by its blank white canvas. I believe one's home should be their sanctuary; peaceful and serene, where regeneration can occur. For me, this uncluttered environment is perfect for my cluttered life and mind.

Photos by Bob Disken

Karen works as an art's facilitator, a youth counsellor and a writer. Her company, Ocean Deep, in which she is partnered with her four adult children, produces documentaries, feature films, stage plays, and performance events.

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