Karen is daughter to Lindsay Bird, a senior elder for Ilkawerne country and prominent male Utopia artist. Along with the other younger women, Karen is taught by the senior women the stories, songs and dances associated with ceremonies. In turn, they learn what themes they are allowed to paint. One of Karen's main Dreamtime stories is of the Alpar (Rat-tail plant) Seed Story. In the olden time, women would collect this seed, crush it and use it in making damper (bread).