October, 2024 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature: Karen Turk
This month, we are proud to spotlight Army Veteran Karen Turk, whose powerful pyrography artwork transforms wood and flame into deeply personal storytelling. Through her piece Murder In The Wind, Karen shares a visual reflection of resilience, connection, and the strength found within the Veteran community.
Name:
Karen Turk
Branch of service:
Army
About:
Hi, my name is Karen Turk and I served in the U.S. Army from 1988 to 1993.
I have recently moved back to my birth state of Wyoming.
My main expression of art is pyrography (wood burning). I have only been doing it for about 5 years.
Title of piece:
Murder In The Wind
Medium of piece:
Pyrography
Meaning behind piece:
Ravens fighting a wind storm, aka, my life's turmoil.
Piece:
What inspires you to create art?:
I usually do pieces for family members to make them smile.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
It's an outlet for pent-up emotions.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
Not really. I'm doing it for self gratification.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
I first get my canvas (a board), and decide who I am doing the piece for. Then I start transferring my vision to the piece. Then I pour myself into it.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
It's a safe place for me to connect with other Veterans.
Our monthly theme for October is Trick or Treat CAVARTS is Sweet. How will you celebrate?
I decorate my yard as a cemetery and make sure EVERYONE in the neighborhood knows I have candy.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
Trust in your brother and sister Veterans. We got this!
