The freestanding sculpture and sculptural wall pieces in this exhibit, “A Cup of Air,” express that whimsical metaphor. They are playful, curious and evocative.

This new body of work draws inspiration from three sources: the pastoral landscape, the Gowanus Canal neighborhood of Brooklyn, and the artist’s recently rediscovered family photo archives. Gibbons integrates photographs and found objects with an eclectic approach that combines sculpture, painting, drawing and photography in surprising ways.

The pieces have an air of both reminiscence and anticipation, they combine the ephemeral with the enduring, and they mingle the cherished and the forbidden.

“A Cup of Air” opens at the 440 Gallery, located at 440 Sixth Ave., Park Slope, on Thursday, Feb. 23, and will run through Sunday, April 8. There will be a reception for the artist from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23. Check the gallery’s website www.440gallery.com for more information.

Gibbons has been living and working in Brooklyn for more than 30 years. She holds a BFA from Pratt Institute, an MFA from Hunter College, and has shown her work regularly throughout New York City. Her related professional experience includes murals, teaching and curatorial work. Karen’s creative inspiration comes from her experience as an art therapist, certified yoga instructor and a mother of three.