About Ivory & Ink
Walking dogs in country fields brought me a new sense of wonder. Having time to watch butterflies traversing a field for the nectar of flowers, flitting & floating through sunshine, tumbled by breezes and following the scents with their antennae, and eyes to find bright flowers, to locate their food source. (5*Link)
Nature is the best natural healer. I’m a believer that the rhythms and resonance of the natural world, which are consistent with our our human resonant vibrations (the Schuman resonance 7.83 Hz)*6 link, can stabilize our natural electrical systems. Research is being pursued at Trent University to improve the lives of honey bees, by introducing consistent magnetic frequencies near their hives. It’s proving successful. The more physical connections we have with the natural world, the more coherent resonance we receive (such as Biofield Tuning), from the vibrational energy in the natural world, the more resonant and healthy we will be. Dancing, singing, playing musical instruments and listening to live music, all help with this improved vibrational energy within our cells.
My Philosophy
Native peoples have lived for years in balance with nature. We are currently in a state of imbalance world-wide. Perhaps by using music which intends for you to resonate (binural beats and more!) and releasing the energies which continue to plague and traumatize our systems, we can make the world a better place for all living beings. As I mention in my story, Frankie, about a turtle who showed up in my life;
When turtle shows up in your life it is usually a reminder to pay attention
Or you will miss opportunities. To the Native Americans,
the turtle was a symbol of Mother Earth
and a reminder that she provides for all of our needs. ...
turtles remind us that the way to heaven is through the earth.
Notable Performances
My first Orchestral work. “The Little Engine that Could”, Washboard Hank, K Locklin) Ptbo Examiner?, PSO/Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Stan Kopec conductor, 1992 (?)
My first Commission: “There Be Dragons”, for the combined student musicians of the Kawartha Youth Orchestra (KYO) June 2023
Recently: Commission 2024, “The Hundreth, 100th” for the National Airforce Museum’s Tribute to the Brave Concert, Sept. 2024. A work for the combined forces of RCAF 8 Wing Band (Trevor Argue), Military Wives Choir/Trenton (Sherin Rizk), Quinte Symphony Orchestra (Dan Tremblay) and the 8 Wing Pipes & Drums (Alan Buchanan).
(mis-spelt my name!)
Commission 2024, for the Peterborough Symphony Woodwind Ensemble, Children’s Stage Lakefield, “The Imperial Blue Butterfly”, a story narration (Author: Dennis A. Lee) with a musical tone poem accompaniment, illustrating the story with leitmotif’s of the insect characters within the story.
Curious where the music’s taken me?
Peek into my whimsical resume of works.
Testimonials
We have known Karen for more than 25 years. We have found her to be a trusted friend. She is whimsical yet very practical, two traits rarely seen together. Karen has many interests, in nature around her, in community, in family and in her faith. Her energy and zest for life abound.
As a mother and grandmother, she is attentive, caring and supportive. She purchased a fix-me-up home on an expansive rural lot and in just a few years has transformed both the house and lot, most often doing the work herself but always following the codes. Her healthy vegetable gardens and shrub and flower gardens are magical. In music Karen is multi-talented musician Karen’s music experience includes composing, conducting, teaching, performing instrumental and vocals.
Whatever task she takes on is done with enthusiasm.
We highly recommend her.
-Glenn & Gwen McMullen (Peterborough)
Karen Locklin is a talented musician and frequent contributor to Quinte Symphony. Not only does she perform, she has also composed and arranged music for a variety of special projects of the orchestra.
As a unique way of recognizing the symphony’s corporate sponsors, musical jingles were introduced to the program. Karen has been active in composing and arranging music for this initiative and the audiences have enjoyed them immensely. She also shared her creative abilities by composing custom work for a youth Music Day, which was a great success!
Karen is a passionate and dedicated musician who has demonstrated her musical abilities a number of times while I have known her.
-Nancy Lewis (QSO)
President of the Quinte Symphony Board (Belleville, ON)
Upcoming Performances
*Oct 4, Quinte Symphony Concert/QSO at Maranatha Church, Belleville. A revised version of There Be Dragons, for mature Orchestral musicians, directed by myself.
*An Original work (Dreams) in collaboration with Artistic Director, Kay Kenney (kingstonschoolofdance.ca), and Hugh Johnston, Music Director, of the Kingston Youth Orchestra for a show that will be presented on May 27th at The ISabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts.
*Ongoing collaboration with poet & Jazz Singer, Sara Gray (Belleville) of original tunes.
(Fortune Teller & Mr. Unique/August 2025)
*A parallel work for the Fragile Butterfly Trio (Flute,Cello,Piano), titled “The Night Moth, Luna”, with Harp, instead of Piano.
*Peepers”, a work for String Orchestra & Audio recording (The Spring Peepers, Cavan, ON)
*Looking for a Patron: I’m eager to develop an orchestral work for a commission; a concept I’ve been formulating for a few years. It’s a classical structured work in four movements, based not on the Four Seasons, as Vivaldi did, but on the native plants which proliferate our wildwoods, fields and roadsides through the seasons. Featured are the untended, ubiquitous flowering blossoms of the natural world, and the musical structures which reflect the beauty of their seasons. Please feel free to contact me, if this resonates with you!