Artist to Know: Karen Harris - Inside Art with Michael Rose

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Michael Rose, Art Contributor

 

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PHOTO: Karen Harris

 

Artists’ talents tend to find varied uses in their careers outside the studio. Few art-makers have leveraged their creative acumen on as many fronts as Karen Harris. She has held posts as art director and project manager in the graphic design field, she has created her own jewelry, she has served as a selection panelist, as an exhibition juror, and as a board member. In all of her experiences, she has channeled her passion for art. As a working artist and an important community leader, Harris contributes to the local creative ecosystem in numerous ways.

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Born in Jamaica, Harris earned her BFA from RISD and has also studied at Brown and RIC. While her formal training took place in RISD’s Illustration Department, Harris’ personal art practice spans disciplines. Working in a range of media from watercolor, to oil, and even installation, she is multitalented. Her two-dimensional work is of the highest quality and she often goes beyond the confines of the traditional and expected in order to create work that is her own. Much of her artwork incorporates Caribbean plant life with a special focus on the banana leaf.

 

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PHOTO: Peter Goldberg

 

In addition to being a RISD graduate, Harris has worked for her alma mater since 2003. First as a Career Counselor and currently as Internship Manager and Advisor, Harris has shepherded generations of students into meaningful and rewarding careers.

When asked what her relationship to the school has meant to her, Harris is enthusiastic, saying, “My affiliation with RISD has been fantastic! My alum status has opened many doors for me. Being an employee that works with students and alums pursuing their creative path is very rewarding. As a Career Advisor, I absolutely love to dream of the future possibility with students and alumni. Mentoring and cheering others on are important to my perceived purpose in life.”

Harris’ positive spirit is evident in her work at RISD, in her relationships with colleagues, and in the pieces, she creates in the studio. Her art imaginatively uses materials, remaking elements from the natural world into imagery that is potent and transcendent.

 

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PHOTO: Karen Harris

 

When asked about the varied methods she employs in her art making, Harris says, “Because so much of my work is driven by my emotions at a given moment. It is good to have multiple ways to express. Dancing and painting my curled banana leaves on my floor; looking at the shadow patterns that are created as I work at stopping the curled banana leaves from shrinking; sitting tight as I look at the veins in a leaf in my small illustrations; letting myself go as I expressively oil paint my cotton plants; or painting directly on the banana leaves and printmaking with the leaves are all informed by my connection to nature, texture and color.”

 

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PHOTO: Karen Harris

 

A frequent exhibitor, Harris has been the focus of solo exhibitions at Johnson and Wales, AS220, Turks Head Gallery, and Sutton Gallery in Providence as well as at I-Park Foundation in Connecticut. She has also participated in many group exhibitions and is one of the artists featured in The Black Biennial, an excellent show on view at RISD’s Gelman Gallery through April 10.

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PHOTO: Bob Chron

Speaking of what being an exhibitor in The Black Biennial means to her, Harris says, “I am truly honored to be amongst such talented artists. I can remember Rey Londres talking about this Black Biennial as a freshman at RISD—I am extremely proud of Rey and the team! On the opening night, I had to keep pinching myself because I could not believe that so many people in Rhode Island came out to see ART!” The excitement around the exhibition’s premiere was palpable, with over 1,000 guests in attendance. Harris’ contributions are highlights of the event and showcase her use of the banana leaf motif in multiple forms.

As an established artist in her own right and an outstanding advocate for emerging talents, Harris is a fixture of the state’s cultural scene. Speaking of what makes Rhode Island special, Harris says, “Connecting to community is very important to me. I am amazed at the support, respect and understanding that the RI arts community has for each other. Everyone is so willing to engage and share resources.”

Describing the Rhode Island art community in these terms, Harris could just as easily be talking about herself. A gregarious and supportive mentor to many, Harris is also a kind connector known for bringing people together. In her creative life, Harris has combined an interest in the sublime aspects of nature and memory to create unmistakeable artworks. In her work life she has exemplified for students what being an artist is all about.

 

Learn more about Karen Harris at her website www.karenharrisart.com

 

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