News and Media

Article By: Mark Stokes
Published: Aug 18, 2009

SCAD professor Karen Sam Norgard recently returned from a summer stint as artist-in-residence at SCAD-Lacoste. Norgard, who has taught foundation studies at SCAD since 1994, works primarily with organic, perishable forms - largely flowers, seaweed and stones - to construct images of dresses.

"I was thrilled to be an artist-in-residence in Lacoste from July 11-26," she said. "I was able to interact with students on a daily basis and enjoyed meeting members of the European Board of Visitors."

While in Lacoste, Norgard worked on "Suspended Matters" - an installation of a sculptural dress made of lavender and stones - in La Galerie Bleue. During the process, students frequently stopped by to discuss the work, help with construction and gather lavender for the skirt.

During her second week in residence, Norgard constructed one of her signature dresses (utilizing straw and more than 200 sunflowers) in Jardin de Murier. Her specific intent was to reference handmade hooked rugs while taking interior domestic imagery outdoors, and honoring handwork and women.  As is often is her practice, she drew inspiration from her surroundings when selecting the materials.

In addition to her perishable constructions and sculptural venues, Norgard creates beaded jewelry, drawing from a variety of personal and cultural influences. For more information about Norgard's work, visit www.karensamnorgard.com.