Artist Profile: Karen E. Griffin (KE)
Karen E. Griffin (KE)
4027 N. Hardesty Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64117
Bio:
As a dynamic Art Quilter and Certified National Storyteller, she weaves narratives through the artistry of fabric and performance. Her creative process is an innovative alchemy, transforming materials into narratives that engage the senses and intellect alike. Her artworks, be they art quilts, abstracts, or panels, are intricate tapestries featuring musical notes, adinkra symbols, feathers, beads, and diverse prints and patterns on mediums like denim and 2D surfaces. These pieces are crafted from paper, traditional African or cotton fabrics, all set against backdrops of canvas or wood panels. This process is a tranquil pilgrimage, guiding my hands to tell a story—a narrative of my ancestors' odyssey to and within America. The exhibition was crafted to enlighten all ages about the journey of the enslaved in their quest for freedom within America. The creation of such textiles, embedded with stories, can span months from inception to exhibition. They are not merely decorative but are vessels carrying the legacy of African-Americans, designed to engage, enlighten, and educate onlookers about their rich history.