Karen Barrett

videography / photography / curatorial

Karen Barrett is a self-taught artist, learning by working with others.  She seeks mentors and collaborators of all ages in the creative process.  Her work centers around the value of history and culture, specifically as it relates to life in Red Lake.   "The importance of knowing I can create and have a vision will always help me to become a stronger artist. When the vision is there then I am eager to be creative. And always having and feeling the passion of being able to create something beautiful.  And investing more time in my art."

Her main motivation lies in recognizing the beauty of progressive visions and working to transform those ideas into something worth celebrating—raising awareness, sparking joy, and bringing happiness to others as well as herself. Creative expression is essential to feeding her spirit, and the positive energy it generates is something she aims to share widely. By helping others feel love, positivity, and creative inspiration, she hopes to strengthen her community. Through sharing her art, she finds healing, learning, expression, and the opportunity to teach and uplift those around her.

photographer / filmmaker / activist

QUALIFICATIONS

Karen Barrett’s core artistic style centers on using her Native culture as both a teaching tool and a means of preserving traditions for future generations. She is deeply inspired by the process of capturing moments through the camera lens and in digital storytelling, finding joy in what can be revealed and shared. A strong connection to her spirit and culture fuels her creativity, allowing her to give generously through her art in as many ways as possible.

She is a photographer, documentary filmmaker and community organizer.  In 2012 she founded the Vision+Makers of Red Lake Nation, an innovative program dedicated to using digital media as a tool for healing.  Karen also led a curatorial and exhibit program entitled EXCHANGE in which She currently stands In Progress's lead contact and organizer in Red Lake and is acting as a curator for our upcoming EXCHANGE TOUR program, scheduled to launch June 2018. 

FOCUS AREAS

  • script writing

  • directing

  • photography

  • cultural and community engagement

Skills

  • cultural education

  • program modeling

  • community organizing

  • curating

Links