Karen Clarkson: Choctaw

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This little girl's photo was taken in 1905 by Edward Curtis. Not much else is known about her but when you look into her eyes she will draw you into her world. Her impossibly large eyes with their long lashes portends a young child who could one day become a beautiful woman. But the longer I looked the more questions I had. What was her life like? Where did she live and what were her parents like? What was in her future? I like to believe the innocence captured in this photo remained with her throughout her life.

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click pic for close-up

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As a Native American and a member of the Choctaw Nation I have a great affection for Native American art and culture. I grew up surrounded by art from all over the world but never found the perfect blend of beauty and spiritual expression until I saw my first Native American portrait. Although my primary works are those of Native Americans I also create works in still life and landscape as well as portraits in other genres. Being a self-taught artist has encouraged me to experiment with several types of expression although I keep coming back to the human form. There is something about the eyes!

I am currently living in California where my most recent works have focused on native cultures of the southwest. I am a member of the National Registry of Native American Artists and a registered Choctaw artist. Although I have been a professional artist for a limited number of years I have been accepted into numerous competitions and won several awards. In 2005 I won first place for my graphite drawing in the internationally acclaimed Conservatory Art Classic competition. The world should be seen out of the corner of one's eyes…. allowing one's self to enter into the world of ritual and ceremony! Thank you for your interest in my art and may you walk in beauty.

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