About the Artist
"I open myself to each new expression,
new perspective to portray, and new inspiration"
Karen Brodie has been creating fabric art since 1991. Beginning in Vancouver, B.C., and now from her studio in Golden,B.C.,Karen has built up a large portfolio of liturgical art which has been her main focus of work as she has been commissioned by churches across North America and beyond.
Karen’s path to a career making fabric art began with education in fashion design. Early jobs pattern drafting, cutting and sewing in small factories brought Karen to the technique of fabric appliqué.
Karen Brodie Designs began in 1991 in Vancouver, B.C. with custom dressmaking, and the beginning of liturgical (church) art as Karen put her new skills of fabric appliqué to good use.
For the past 20 years from her studio in Golden, B.C., where she is married to a teacher and parent to young adults who are flying away from the nest, Karen’s sole work has come to be fabric art. This work has led to a large portfolio, being commissioned by churches and individuals across North America and beyond.
Of course living in the Rocky Mountains has been inspiring - interest in wider applications for her art has been simmering. In 2014 Karen created and exhibited in a solo show a collection focusing on nature up close. The work consists of large-scale pieces of vibrant, textured, and contemporary, colour blocked art. The technique is still appliqué, only years later, Karen brings artistry and master to it which comes from years of honing her skill.
In the last several years, Karen has undertaken designing The Stations of the Cross. She invited 14 clergy who she has known or worked with over her years as an artist to write the reflections, then designed from those reflections. The first station (number 9) has now been created in fabric and was shown during the 2017 Anglican Foundation's exhibit: (in)finite, in Vancouver, B.C. as well as The Craft of Spirit; BC Liturgical Textiles at The Italian Cultual Centre, Vancouver, B.C. The Stations of the Cross is an uncommissioned project, which has brought Karen touring this devotional experience across B.C. The experience has proven to be unbelievably meaningful to both she and the participants as they delve into the grief and grace of Paschal mystery. Karen looks forward to ideas for the next steps of this lifetime project.
As for the process of designing, Karen believes she becomes a vessel for stories, symbols, movement and emotion. Karen believes that no matter who she designs for, or what the purpose, her work will be filled with her deepening spirituality and awe for creation.
What others are saying...
“I received the stole today and I was stunned at how beautiful it is! Even more beautiful than I imagined. I can't thank you enough!
I am ready to tell everyone about your website and such wonderful service!”
~ Heather Ferguson, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
“BEST ALTAR HANGINGS EVER!!!”
~ Rev. Monique Stone, Carp, Ontario
“We are thrilled with the new green set!!! Thank you so very much – it was a wonderful, fun process and the whole church looks gorgeous!”
~ Marylee Bytheriver, Eureka, California
“Oh My Goodness! Karen, the stole is stunning. The photo online does not do it justice. It arrived today and this is stunningly beautiful.”
~ Rev. Blair Odney, North Vancouver, B.C.
"I received the stole today, All I can say is WOW! I am looking forward to wearing it on Palm Sunday."
- Rev. Greg Markins, Vienna, West Virginia
"Your beautiful stole was a profound blessing at my installation service into a new ministry context. It is a wonderful symbol of how special and life-giving this new 'ordinary' is for me and this congregation. I am grateful to have something so distinctive and unique to remind us all that ordinary time is precious, special time. "
- The Rev. Marcia Mount Shoop, PhD Pastor/Head of Staff, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, Asheville, NC
"It IS magnificent!!! I can not thank you enough -- the Road to the Sacred is absolutely stunning!"
-Elaine Scott, Poneto, IN
"What a stunning stole you have made for David! I am totally jealous!! Thank you so much for the care you took both in listening and in prayerfully considering how to create something reflective of David’s sensibilities. The beauty of your design and craftsmanship are exceptional. I absolutely would highly recommend you if I hear of other’s looking for a custom made stole, or other fabric liturgical creations."
- Rev. Debra Schneider, Toronto, ON
"I received the stole today. It is just beautiful! Thank you so much. I appreciate you rushing so we got it this week. I can't wait to give it to Dave on Sunday!"
- Sandra Buchmann, Grand Forks, North Dakota
"I received the stole in the mail yesterday. It is awesome! I LOVE it! Thanks so much."
-Jeff Jaggers, Fenton, MI
"The stole arrived today, and it’s beautiful. You do lovely work. We’ll be happy to pass on your card and promote your business."
-David Blakemore, Washington, D.C.
"The stole arrived today. It is just perfect. Though I have never met you, I feel a kinship of spirit and I will say a prayer of thanksgiving for you and your ministry each time I vest. Thank you, thank you and thank you!"
-Rev. Beth Drew, Michigan, Bishop's Deacon for International Missions