2024 artist statement + biography (+ resume)
Observing animals in their natural habitat requires a stillness like no other. If given the opportunity, we find ourselves holding our breath, wanting to stretch the limits of time.
As a painter and exhibiting artist for two decades, animals have become my primary subject. A few years ago, I read this excerpt from the book, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, that seemed to connect many of the dots for me regarding this magnetic pull:
"...in the Native ways of knowing, human people are often referred to as 'the younger brothers of creation'. We say that humans have the least experience with how to live and thus the most to learn - we must look to our teachers among the other species for guidance. Their wisdom is apparent in the way they live. They teach us by example."
I have found that observing any animal in its natural environment (yes, even the rabbits who take up residence in my backyard) can be a spiritual experience. What can we learn from this and how can we absorb and apply more of this into our daily living? We, first, must be able to slow down enough, quiet down enough, to observe and listen.
My work offers the viewer the opportunity to reflect on these questions while forming a surprisingly deeper relationship with each subject.
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Kari Maxwell is a painter who works out of her studio in Minneapolis where she has been painting, exhibiting and selling her work for over nineteen years. In 2012, with her motto of create everyday, she launched her creative coaching business where she works, one on one or with small groups of adults who are interested in incorporating more creativity into their daily lives. In 2013, Maxwell opened The Create Everyday Classroom, a small art school, where she teaches her own ever evolving curriculum, a combination of different art making methods and artist studies paired with museum visits. She also develops and facilitates creative workshops for educators, schools, small businesses and corporations. Maxwell has had gallery representation in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Washington and Wisconsin.
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2024, Open Wide!, 119 North Weatherly Art Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
2022, Spring and Winter exhibitions, Isles Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
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