Karen Van Galder

I live and work in Missoula sculpting animals and other beings focusing on atmospheric firings. I lived in many places but have never had such an amazing variety of ways to fire work, create work, meet and interact with such a talented and dedicated group of artists.

The work created the past few years highlights my interests in the Northwest wildlife, and native peoples take on earth and wildlife. I strive to capture an evocative expression that will capture the viewer's interest and give insight into the sculptural piece. I am completely invested in telling a story and seek out strength and beauty in an older being and am driven to portray that. 

Art plays a huge role in my daily life. Inspiration in all forms of art: ancient Greek and Asian art, German expressionism, the Bay Area movement, Northwest Indigenous artists in particular Raven Halfmoon, Rick Bartow, Wally Dion. People and animal faces and gestures give me inspiration for sculptures.  Going to galleries and museums, is what I enjoy almost as much as creating art.