Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Godfrey
Hi Karen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As a former art therapist and social worker, I became an artist for my own health and healing, quite naturally. Art has become my way of expressing my own personal experiences, whether it’s a health issue or something new I’m exploring. I use many different mediums of art to express myself, without worrying about whether it will sell or wondering how to market it. Art has become my own spiritual tool to tap into the unknown and to explore the mysteries of life. Recently, I created a short film titled, “Art As A Way of Life”, to piece together my own life story and to look back at life changing events. The whole process of making the film was healing, as I sorted through old photographs, journals, and artwork. It helped me to see how I became the person I am today. I think it is important for everyone to share their own life story, as it is not only cathartic, but it also connects us to other people around us. I have always resonated with Henry Miller’s quote, “ Whoever uses the spirit that is in him creatively, is an artist. To make living itself an art, that is the goal”. I have always liked this way of viewing life, as it gives me permission to be an artist from the moment I wake up in the morning and begin to plan my day. I ask myself, how do I want to express myself today?
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle for many artists, is overcoming the belief that you are considered an artist only if you make a living off of your art. I have even met artists that have given up creating because they didn’t know how to market it or sell it. They needed outside approval to believe that their artwork made a difference or mattered. Thousands of years ago, artwork was created by medicine men and women as a healing tool for their community. Often dreams would come to them and they would paint their visions as a way to shift perceptions and to raise consciousness. Art had a very important role in their life. It was just as valuable as medicine or food. It was food for the soul. Today, we have forgotten that aspect of art and creativity. Commercialized artwork is created to coordinate with furniture. While other original pieces of artwork can be way overpriced, so that the average person cannot afford to buy artwork that is meaningful and soulful. Society has forgotten the true purpose of art, which is to heal and bring wholeness back to the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a full time practicing artist for 30 years. I have been in art shows, galleries, and even owned my own art gallery at one time. Today, I create art in many different forms. I believe that those art forms can be cooking, taking care of animals, gardening, listening to music, poetry, and even long walks out in nature. It’s greeting the sunset, a thoughtful conversation over dinner and savoring each moment in life. It is also about recreating yourself and following your instincts. Most recently, my husband and I bought a Romani style caravan. I use it as an art gallery and we host musicians for concerts on our front lawn. This is our way of expressing another aspect of our creativity and fulfilling our dreams. It has brought much joy to our relationship, as we are meeting other like minded people. It also gives me another venue to show my artwork in. We named our caravan, The Cosmic Caravan.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
It is my hope that I will continue to meet other artists, musicians, and like minded people so that we can continue to create new experiences for the mind and soul of the community. Each time something new is created, I believe it evolves our collective consciousness. We are all learning from each other and helping each other to grow. We are here at this time on the Earth, to bring healing into the world.
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