Karin Swildens was born in Holland, raised in Morocco where she learned French, and studied at "Les Arts Décoratifs" in Paris.

After her studies, she worked on restorations of "Le Louvre Museum" paintings, illustrated children's magazines and was the author and illustrator of a children's book, "Poutou et Pitchoun" published by Dessain et Torla, Paris, France. She also designed several scarfs for "Hermès", one of the top fashion and accessory design companies in Paris.

Stories, experiences, imagination and mythology are the basis of her inspirations.

She uses archetypal and personal symbols to convey a message of respect for "Joy and Humor in Life".

In 1980, shortly after coming to the United States she began to create wood sculptures as a way to see and touch the "other side" of her paintings.

By 1982 she focused her energy on clay and has loved it with a passion ever since. Karin's current ceramic works feature "Horses" and "Women" and the two combined, "Symbolic Portraits" , "Doors" as experiences of life, "Talismans" and much more that you will discover on these pages. Karin Swildens' artwork is shown in many southern California art galeries.