Utilising both bronze and native timber as her primary mediums, Walters demonstrates a meticulous approach to the detail in her work. Her selection of resilient hardwood such as Swamp Kauri for dimensional manipulation underscores her commitment to creating timeless works, while her investment in lost wax casting yields exquisitely crafted bronze pieces.
Walters’ holds a Bachelor of Education from Auckland University, which she followed with a qualification in Graphic Design from AUT. Subsequently, she pursued a Visual Arts Degree at James Cook University in Australia, where her work was recognised with the prestigious Top Sculpture Award in 2002. Following her academic pursuits, Walters dedicated three years to teaching Art and Senior Design at Diocesan School for Girls, where she assumed the role of Head of the Senior Design Department. Since transitioning to a full-time career in art in 2006, Walters has regularly shown her work in exhibitions throughout New Zealand.
In 2011, Walters relocated to Nelson with her family, where she and her husband, Mike, established Kereru Gallery in the picturesque coastal town of Mapua. Over the course of a decade, they curated a diverse collection that featured their own creations alongside works from acclaimed artists across New Zealand.
In 2021, the Walters’ made the decision to return to their roots in the North Island, settling in the serene surroundings of Sandspit. There, amidst native bush surroundings, Walters continues to produce commissioned pieces and exhibition works from her workshops and studio. Her works are held in private, corporate, and public collections throughout Aotearoa and beyond.
Parnell Gallery has represented Karen Walters since 2024.
