Karen Clarkson is less concerned with her subject's physical beauty than their implicit backstory, which she reveals through facial expressions, bodily postures, and manner of dress. Her ability to observe the world through the eyes of these people offers us fresh perspectives and a new understanding of their place in the world.

"I find each painting is truly a journey of revelation that allows me to communicate feelings that are ever present, and which propel me forward," Clarkson says. "I want my audience to see this in all its beautiful complexity, whether it be hope, love, or determination."

This she accomplishes so well that when we look at her portraits in oils, we find far more than just static representations of attractive people. Her subjects - Native women who must straddle Native and Anglo cultures both ancient and modern - are presented as recognizable, knowable, fully realized individuals whose expressions encompass the full range of human emotion but simultaneously retain an aura of mystery despite their accessibility.

Clarkson's work adds yet another dimension to our understanding of Native culture, revealing the inner character of her subjects as well as showcasing their beauty. Her growing list of awards - among them the Arizona Governor's Choice Award in 2024; the Grand Award, Indigenous Collection, Santa Fe Indian Market, Sept 2021; Best of Show, Choctaw Nation Indian Arts Show, in 2013, 2015, and 2016, and many others — attests to the appeal of Clarkson's work. She was especially honored when she was selected to supply the cover image for Native American Art magazine's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Indian Market.

"My desire to communicate what is important to me remains the most important component of my art," Clarkson says. "To sense the humanity in another person and to be able to convey it through art opens a whole other world and a new mode of communication. It is bringing the intangible into focus and making room for change."

About My History

My father (Choctaw) made serving his country his life's work. He joined the Navy as a pilot at the end of WWII and flew in the Korean and Vietnam wars. I grew up as a child of the "world" and after raising 4 children, I began to explore my place in it through art. I am deeply grateful for my Choctaw heritage, which has given me a deep sense of identification and history.