Discover the Fascinating Story of artist Karin Getaz - the Magic of Her Painted Rocks and Passion for Colours

"I paint because this is the first thing I want to do in the morning and the last thing I think about at night. I paint because there is no more translation needed. I paint because it makes me feel free", Karin Getaz

(Christine Onward: I took this quote from our RockStreet Collective posts. I once asked the artists why do they paint. There were about 50 comments, each more impressive and more soothing than others! But Karin's words connected with me the most, because I too find that my paintings are my best dictionary, my best translator. And I am confident that I am not the only one who feels the same as me and Karin.)

Here I invite you to come aboard a fascinating, colourful, and insightful journey to the Australian tropics. I hope you enjoy Karin's story, her astonishing painted rocks, and kindness of her heart above all. Enjoy!

Photo: Glimpse into Karin's studio and her amazing art creations

What is the story of Karin Getaz? Where was she born? Where does she reside now?

I grew up in Chateau-D’Oex, Switzerland, in the heart of the Alps. I moved next to Geneva in my twenties, and by the age of 26 I wanted to see the World! I had always dreamed of Australia… I could see myself painting on top of a rock … with a beautiful red sky above!!!!

So I moved to Australia and lived on a boat for 12 years with my husband….and when we decided to reunite with the land 6 years ago, we chose the Cassowary Coast.

At the moment I live at the beautiful Tropics of Australia, in Far North Queensland. I live in a small town called Silkwood, where only about 400 souls are residing. It's the banana and sugar cane country…. green, hot, very wet in summer and delightful  in winter…  I love the special light the region emanates…

Photo collage by artist Karin Getaz | Facebook | Instagram

When in life did you start thinking about painting as part of who you are?

Well, my father was making his living out of his paintings. He was a self-taught artist. I spent my childhood going to exhibitions, looking at his works, sometimes helping with colour decisions…But I was not encouraged to follow his steps, so I studied and worked as a chemist, then in a laboratory specialising in correcting colours. I kept drawing for years, before I met my husband in Australia and he was the force that encouraged me to paint and follow my dream!

A rare capture: Karin photographed while working

How did you start painting on rocks?

Since living in a home with more space, I started painting a lot of big canvases… One day I was out of material… so I found a stone that looked like an eye…I painted it…photographed it….and that was it! I got the bug pretty much instantly…almost like an obsession.

Could you tell us a few more things about this passion for rock painting?

For me it is important to follow this rule: find your inner artist and creator; find what makes your rocks special.

I like to paint on different types and shapes of rocks, firstly because I find it challenging and secondly because even if I use similar colours for different stones, they end up totally unique.

I am not afraid to alter the shapes of the rocks by sanding  or perfecting them. I like to start with a special background and then play with the shape. I use acrylic paints, brushes and sometimes dotting tools. I mainly create dot works, but recently I have also been using a different technique with textured lines.

I am drawn to designing mandalas, optical illusions and spirals.

I work outside, always, for the light. And I particularly like working in the morning, I often start at day break.

Painted rocks by artist Karin Getaz | Facebook | Instagram for sale Here

How does the act of creating change you?

Well I paint as a means of expression. As I mentioned once in a question you asked on RockStreet Collective, art doesn’t need translation. As a reiki master, I enjoy the meditative state to channel energies instead of hands on healing. And therefore I find it a privilege to be able to create and offer a visual channel for meditation.

What is the rock that made you the happiest to create and why? 

My priceless find is this one: the Gorilla. I found it on my way to the creek…and spotted this incredible naturally shaped stone that is truly nearly impossible and so unique!

Painted rock by artist Karin Getaz | Facebook | Instagram

And last, if you were to make the most beautiful gift, what would that be?

My mom passed away last year. I meditated on all of our family history and decided to paint a large stone for her grave to celebrate her life. The triangle represents us, the three children.

Painted rock by artist Karin Getaz | Facebook | Instagram

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