Artist Statement by Karen Bushgens:

"I have lived in Vista/Oceanside almost all of my life...I appreciate all of the natural materials that are available here at all times of the year.   I have raised my four children here and all the while I was raising goats and sheep and pigs, and spending the summers at Del Mar Fair competing in 4-H.  We have milked goats, made cheese from their milk, and spun and woven their wool.   I have an education and degree from Mother Earth. 

I've worked with Torrey pine needles for more than thirty  years, and gourds for about five years.  I  love to take materials from nature and make something functional, beautiful, and appreciated as art."