Member's Gallery: Jody Karr

Jody Karr has a bachelor’s degree in art and a master’s degree in writing. A signature member of the International Society of Experimental Artists and a member of several other art and writing organizations, the artist/writer has received national and international awards for art and national awards for writing and serves as a judge in both areas. Karr exhibits in museums, galleries, and restaurants and participates in art festivals in the United States. An artist for over thirty years, Karr creates from Earthglow Studio in Oklahoma City and from makeshift studios when traveling.

Artist's Statement

Art is a celebration of life and a journey of the spirit to me. I use visual expression as a language to speak about the world I know and to speak about how I feel. Art is also an avenue in which to explore, define, and expand myself. On my creative journey, I develop my ideas through exploration using education, experience, intuition and my spirit as guides. I have traveled to a variety of exciting and interesting places nationwide that have become a part of my spirit. My art comes from my heart, spirit, and soul and often begins with a single image, thought, or word that takes on a life of its own. Contemporary in nature, my work often combines both representational and abstract elements that engage the viewer at a multitude of levels.

My two-dimensional work is either water media or pastel on traditional surfaces, or a combination of layered mixed media integrated on canvas, watercolor paper or board, or a wood support. A mixture of media creates a varied and rich surface that I find both stimulating and enriching. A mixed media painting includes two or more of various materials (acrylic, inks, watercolor, collage, gel mediums, charcoal, or pastel). Writing, in some form, is sometimes incorporated into my art, whether it be a word, poem, letter, or song bringing together my two loves and my educational background in art (B.A.) and writing (M.A.). My three-dimensional work is diverse and ever changing like all of my art as I continue to explore and grow. It includes assemblages, spirit houses, sculpture, arty purses and jewelry.

My paintings begin with a good under painting or abstract design before incorporating the more literal aspects, allowing a fresh approach, and if mixed media is involved, an interplay between various media. I work with a variety of themes, techniques, and materials to stretch my boundaries to create artwork that is meaningful and evocative. My art is created solely by me in my Oklahoma studio “Earthglow” or outdoors surrounded by my herb and flower gardens and nature, or in a makeshift studio during my frequent travels nationwide.

I began painting at the age of sixteen taking private lessons from prominent artists. I sold my first paintings at that young age and have been an artist ever since, my career spanning over thirty years.

Poet - 2-D Mixed Media 29" x 24"

Hitchin' A Ride - 2-D Mixed Media 28" x 38"	Red Hot Momma - 2-D Mixed Media 32" x 39"
In Bloom, Series #6 - 2-D Mixed Media 40" x 32"	Spirit of the Hunted Dove - 2-D Mixed Media 39" x 32"

Contact:
E-Mail:  earthglowstudio@cox.net