Karena Ryan is an award-winning artist from Tuam, County Galway.

Her creative process merges stitch with knit, paint, print and collage, resulting in a dynamic interplay of textures and techniques. This approach allows for intuitive exploration and storytelling through mixed media.

Sustainability is integral to her practice, reflected in her use of Irish grown wools and vintage fabrics. This commitment highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage while reducing environmental impact.

Karena’s art invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to the past and contemplate how these connections shape their present and future selves. Through each piece, she endeavours to nurture a deeper understanding of traditions and rituals, fostering appreciation and preservation in today's world.

Her textile art practice is a deeply personal and reflective journey that beautifully intertwines the past with the present. Through her work, she creates pieces that are not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant, inviting viewers to explore and connect with the layers of history, memory, and identity embedded in the choice of materials.